Quick Help

[drka_ak]

Hey All,
I just have a couple quick questions. I don't have a tank set up, but I do have a 30 gallon fishtank that is currently being used to house goldfish. They are hideous disgusting things (in my opinion) and I would like to add some beauty and color to my home! I have been researching but all I can find is text with terms I don't understand and information I'm not clear on. I've read a little about the cycling and the different filter systems and have decided I might prefer a Biological filter system. Could you offer some suggestions for me? I would also like to know the pros and cons of owning a saltwater tank, I understand they're expenisve... But if anyone could give me a rough estimate, or maybe a compatible fish species list for my tank, I'd appreciate it. I'm sorry this is so elaborate, but I'm really just trying to find some answers I can understand, or maybe just some helpful tips or hints!
thanks!
P.S. I understand I need to read a book on eis on the way!!

 

[ross]

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!!!
First i would recomend a good book(which you are already getting). And do a ton of research on here.
A cycle is getting all the good bacteria in your tank. This bacteria breakes down ammonia(fish waste). You will need a test kit to monitor your tank while it cycles. You will see the ammonia spike then drop to zero, then the nitrite will spike and drop to zero.
For biological filtration i would recomend alot of live rock. You willl also need a good protein skimmer and a couple powerheads. This should be sufficient for a fish only tank.
Compatible fish would be clownfish, royal gramma, firefish, and pretty much any gobies. You cannot keep any tangs or angels though.
A rough estimate would be $400 to get all your live rock, skimmer, test kit, and powerheads. You can get 50lbs of lr off this site for $200, then about $150 for a protin skimmer, and then you need a couple powerheads(those are cheep). A test kit costs about $30.

 

[drka_ak]

Thank you. Some of the suggestions I recieved included: a pair of clowns, a purple firefish, a royal gamma, and a couple of inverts including: a cleaner shrimp or fire shrimp, serpent star, a couple of crabs and snails. I was confused though because I thought you might need a reef tank to have some of those particular inverts, like the star or maybe a clown... And where should I go to research on here?

 

[cprdnick]

A good book would be Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies
Cons of this hobby are simple
It's addicting
It's expensive (depending on you setup)
You have to learn patience. aaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!!!!!
Saltwater organisms are more sensitive than freshwater
The smaller the tank, the harder it is to keep the water in good condition.
Pros are also simple.
It's addicting
It teaches you patience.
It's amazingly gorgeous and educational.
Its worth every penny, unless something dies.
I'm sure there are more, but I'm in the middle of watching tv while I'm typing this so I'm not concentrating properly.
There is a saying in this hobby that I keep hearing, it makes sense if you have been in it for a few weeks.
Only bad things happen quickly. Exercise patience.
Happy tanking,
Clint
BTW, WELCOME TO THE BOARD