trying to start a tank

[ljurnett]

ok.. We have the tank, filter, etc. to start tank (it was a freshwater tropical??) and we have been on every site on here, and don't really know the next step. I see everyone mentioningsand and rock, but what kind of rock? I know it sounds like I am way out of my league, because I am, but we REALLY want to get this going, and it seems like there is a huge gap of information from the websites btween the equiptment needed, and the fish to put in it!! So I guess my questions are... What iare the VERY 1st things you put in the darn tank, before you can buy the fish?? ANY help is very much needed and appreciated!!!
Leah

 

[celacanthr]

Well I congratulate u on reaserching first, always a good thing!

I have some questions for you-
-how big is Your tank?
-What kind of tank do you want?
-FOWLER(fish only with live rock)
-FO(Fish Only)
-Agressive
-Or a reef
?

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
Well I congratulate u on reaserching first, always a good thing!

I have some questions for you-
-how big is Your tank?
-What kind of tank do you want?
-FOWLER(fish only with live rock)
-FO(Fish Only)
-Agressive
-Or a reef
?
Along with those well placed questions; my statement would be LS andLR (live sand and live rock) also probably the VERY first thing would be "Fenner's" book the marine aquarist.

 

[ljurnett]

Hi! It is a 29g. We want fish only (isn't that the easiest?) not sure on the kind of fish.. don't have a big budget if that helps u!!

 

[celacanthr]

Ok well i would also look around at fish that you like, and im sure i and other people would be able to help you critique the list. ( i should tell you know no large angels,tangs,sharks,eels,butterflyfish, foxface, or moorish idol's.)
And FO is IMO the cheapest but u won't be able to have many fish.
I Hope you find this forum helpful!

 

[ljurnett]

OK thank you! But what is the VERY 1st things? Water with salt pellets added, or is there a salt mixture? And what about this "cycling"?

 

[celacanthr]

Well the first thing would again depend on the settup you want and the setup you want depends on what you wanna get, but if you want to go ahead and add the water then you would need to buy a refractometer, and salt mix especially made for saltwater tanks.

 

[1journeyman]

Welcome to the hobby.
The best thing you can do is go out and by Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" It will explain A LOT about cycling your tank.
I cannot stress enough how much money and heartache this one book will save you once you start the hobby.
I understand it when you say that you really want to get this hobby going, but trust me (and everyone else who will tell you the same thing) a couple of days of reading will be well worth it later.

 

[ljurnett]

ok, so this Fenner's book will explain everything to me. So I shouldn't add ANYTHING yet to the tank to get it going? I have read how long you have to wait on things, so if possible, I would like to start some process.. ANY PROCESS!! I know I am being impatient!!

 

[1journeyman]

Yes.. Fenner is a genius.. seriously.
You really shouldn't add anything yet. Patience is sooo crucial in this hobby. You need to learn about methods of filtration and the different types of substrate before you start the tank.