Request for Words of Wisdom

yvonne

yvonne

New Member
I am considering purchasing a saltwater tank (around 50 gal), and have never maintained a marine aquarium. I plan to use a wet/dry filter, but am not sure about lighting. I would like to use a live sand base with live coral and rock. I would eventually like to have an anenome as well.
I am still in the information gathering stage and would appreciate any advice about setting up a new tank. Is there anything to be wary of when purchasing a used tank? Glass vs acrylic? Anything a newbie needs to know would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
fshhub

fshhub

Active Member
used tanks?
make sure you know they don't leak, before adding sw,and ask what they were used for, and if the previous owner has ever treated any marine diseases, and if so what type of meds they used(be wary of copper based meds)
live coral nad live rock are great IMO, but also, personally, if you don't a already have it, forget the wet dry, put the money towards the rock(about 80 lbs or better would be reccommended) and good circulation, this with (or without) a protein skimmer is all that you should need for filtration
as for anemones, WAIT, they are very VERY difficult,
ABOVE ALL be patient, go slow, and keep asking questions(before you buy), there are many here that would like to help, and unlike stores, we gain nothing form helping you, and have tried(collectively) most methods and products
goodluck and
WELCOME
 
adrian

adrian

Active Member
Read some good books :D Natural Reef Aquariums, by John Tullock would be a good start, The coral Reef Aquarium, Ron Shemik and Aquarium Corals, Eric Broneman are also both great books. Like mentioned above the web can be a source of tons of info, just make sure the site is creditable. Dont buy anything, plan on doing a good bit of research and learning before you dive in, its always easier the first time around if you go in with a basic knowledge of things and youll save a lot of $ and possibly lives :)
 
josh

josh

Active Member
Welcome, I am glad to see people gathering info before just jumping in. I would suggest reading the board, get a good book, and check out xxxxxxxxx and read the inofrmative chats they have archived, all are with renound people in the field - mostly marine biologits, Dr. Ron being one of them - it covers most everything you would need. As you notice there is a lot of reading to be done, so you will have questions as you read, feel free to ask - we are glad to help !
other BB links are unauthorized here
BurnNSpy
[ December 20, 2001: Message edited by: BurnNSpy ]
 
wamp

wamp

Active Member
Like everyone said read read and read.. And then forget it all.. You will have alot of trial and error in this hobby, you find your own way to do things and think they are absolute right. You will have fun and you WILL go broke.. But good luck!
As far as words of wisdom: Never eat yellow snow...
 
maxx

maxx

Member
About Acrylic or Glass: Glass wont scratch when your LR rubs against it, Acrylic will. Acrylic is WAAAAYYYY lighter than glass (I can carry my 60 gallon w/ one arm). It all depends on what you want.
Maxx
 
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