Starting from scratch, need help please!

[sparklingbrook]

Hello, new here so hope I'm posting in the right place!
I've been thinking about starting a salt water tank for a while, I currently have a 15gallon tropical fish tank. A few months ago one of my friends gave me her 25 gallon tank because she was moving and no longer wanted it. So I guess now would be a good time to start!
I know next to nothing about salt water fish, can you tell me what I will need? Figured it's better to ask here first then to go and buy a whole load of stuff that I probably won't need!
Also, what kind of fish can I keep in this tank? I'm guessing I won't be able to get many due to the size of it. Would really like a clown fish or 2? I love anemones as well, oh and coral!
Any help would be very much appreciated!

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SparklingBrook http:///t/392389/starting-from-scratch-need-help-please#post_3483804
Hello, new here so hope I'm posting in the right place!
I've been thinking about starting a salt water tank for a while, I currently have a 15gallon tropical fish tank. A few months ago one of my friends gave me her 25 gallon tank because she was moving and no longer wanted it. So I guess now would be a good time to start!
I know next to nothing about salt water fish, can you tell me what I will need? Figured it's better to ask here first then to go and buy a whole load of stuff that I probably won't need!
Also, what kind of fish can I keep in this tank? I'm guessing I won't be able to get many due to the size of it. Would really like a clown fish or 2? I love anemones as well, oh and coral!
Any help would be very much appreciated!
Hello and welcome to the site.
You will need:

• 
  A good beginner book for saltwater aquariums
• 
  Lab type test kit
• 
  RO (reverse osmoses) water
• 
  salt mix
• 
  sand or crushed coral
• 
  live or base rock (not the same type of rock for FW tanks)
• 
  Hydrometer or refractometer
  the best lighting you can afford to keep corals and an anemone (T5HO, LED or Metal Halides)
  at least one power head
  A skimmer
  Either a canister, HOB or sump for filtration.
  fish net
  Thermometer (sticky on the glass is fine)
  a mag float to clean the front glass

At the top of the new hobbyist section you will find 101 tips for getting started, read thru that to help you understand things a little better, and get you to a point to know what questions to ask.
We are right here for you so don't be afraid to ask about anything.
You can indeed do all kinds of corals, 2 clowns are very doable, if you have the right lights an anemone is fine...but wait 6 months at least before you add one. HOWEVER, a clown does not NEED an anemone to live, and it may or may not bond with one.

 

[sparklingbrook]

Brilliant, thanks for quick response! If a clown doesn't bond with an anemone, is it a problem? And could you tell me which anemones would be compatible with this size tank?
Sorry, I'm sure I will ask a lot of silly questions, I just want to know the facts before I get started. I've reserched on and off for months. We have a few of the bits already, I've started cycling the water.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SparklingBrook http:///t/392389/starting-from-scratch-need-help-please#post_3483809
Brilliant, thanks for quick response! If a clown doesn't bond with an anemone, is it a problem? And could you tell me which anemones would be compatible with this size tank?
Sorry, I'm sure I will ask a lot of silly questions, I just want to know the facts before I get started. I've reserched on and off for months. We have a few of the bits already, I've started cycling the water.
Hi, I happen to be just sitting on the computer at the moment...
Sabre and bubbletip anemones are the clown favorites....No it isn't necessary to keep an anemone if you have clownfish.
Anemones are hard to deal with, they move and sting corals and if you don't cover the power head they get sucked up and die poisioning the tank as they go. They will eat any critter who gets close enough, or sting it to death. If the clowns do bond with it, they will protect it as their territory and chase other fish away from it. In a small tank the other inhabitents have very little place to go out of the anemones reach. They are very beautiful, and there are folks who really like them...I am not one of those people I'm afraid. I got rid of my beautiful fish killer and never got another one.
I had clowns without anemones for many, many years. Clowns will wallow corals to death and sometimes the coral doesn't mind and all is good. My clowns like the out put and intake pipes to bond with. They are strange little fish IMO, they hang out in a corner and just tred water night and day, they swim around at feeding time and defend their little corner against all others.
Before settling on clowns you should check out what else is available, there really are lots of beautiful fish in the ocean.
These books are awesome, not only for info but to browse thru to look at the different critters you can have.

A page

A must have in my opinion

And a page

 

[coralreefertom]

The best word of advice I could offer a fellow reefer in the infancy stage of his saltwater aquarium development is to buy an excellent book regarding all aspects of the hobby. Robert Fenner, Delbeek and Sprung and Calfo are just a short name of renowned authors to steer you in the right direction. Moreover forum sites like this one can provide additional feedback and hindsite to increase your chances of success and limit your failures.
Next, which is a big part of your exploration in the saltwater aquarium hobby, is to PLAN! Think and write down what you plan on doing with the tank. Types of filtration, lighting, fish only, or a full blown reef set up, create a wish list regarding the types of fish and invertebrates. You would eventually like to maintain in your new aquarium. From this list you can research these diverse and beautiful animals to see if their husbandry requirements can be met and also if their compatibility requirements will be attainable.
Take it slow as you will soon find out that nothing as beautiful as a marine biotope comes easy or quickly. You will find out that their are times when you can cut corners and be none the wiser for it, but being complacent and rushing things can quickly lead to the demise of your tank and it's inhabitants.
Best of luck to you in your venture as you delve into the fascinating, entertaining and enjoyable marine hobby!
Tom
Feel free to ask as many questions here, at your local pet shop( though be forwarned as many employees at pet shops either are not very knowledgeable or are there just to sell everything and anything they can at your expense)! Second opinions are always something to keep in your repertoire when searching for the RIGHT answer and information! Remember that the only dumb question is... The question you didn't ask because you though it would make you look silly or was a dumb question! Many aquarists get burned by pleading the 5th and not asking questions!