Complete Newbie :)

Squirrel · Apr 28, 2013

Hello,
I am completely new to this hobby (or more so idea)! I would like to start a small saltwater aquarium with a clownfish(or 2) and annenome :bigsmile: I just want to make sure I do everything right. I have already found out there is more then just the common clownfish along with only certain annenomes they will accept. You will be hearing a lot from me, I have plenty of questions! I just want to say thank you in advance, and hope to get to know everyone! I am excited to start, but I am quickly realizing this is quite a process to start up. It'll be worth it in the long run though :xd:

Also I had a few freshwater tanks as a kid, I currently have a beta and his resident snail. This will be my first saltwater tank, they always just seem to be so much more colorful! I did a lot of snorkeling in Japan this last summer, the clownfish always seemed so playful! Trigger fish on the otherhand were not as welcoming

oh: I got to see a lot of pretty fish, it was just the clown fish that has captivated me the most!

-Squirrel

Rikerbear · Apr 28, 2013

Welcome Squirrel! This is a fun and exciting hobby. Just be sure and take it VERY slow and have extra patience.
Do LOTS of research, and ask as many questions as you want/need.....the only stupid question is the one not asked.
You may want to rethink getting an anemone for your clowns....they can be VERY hard to keep, especially in a new aquarium.
Clowns don't need one to be happy
:welcome:

navila06 · Apr 28, 2013

welcome to to the hobbies, mostly good times for sure.

Squirrel said:
Hello,
I am completely new to this hobby (or more so idea)! I would like to start a small saltwater aquarium with a clownfish(or 2) and annenome :bigsmile: I just want to make sure I do everything right. I have already found out there is more then just the common clownfish along with only certain annenomes they will accept. You will be hearing a lot from me, I have plenty of questions! I just want to say thank you in advance, and hope to get to know everyone! I am excited to start, but I am quickly realizing this is quite a process to start up. It'll be worth it in the long run though :xd:

Also I had a few freshwater tanks as a kid, I currently have a beta and his resident snail. This will be my first saltwater tank, they always just seem to be so much more colorful! I did a lot of snorkeling in Japan this last summer, the clownfish always seemed so playful! Trigger fish on the otherhand were not as welcoming oh: I got to see a lot of pretty fish, it was just the clown fish that has captivated me the most!

-Squirrel

SeahorseKeeper · Apr 28, 2013

Welcome to R2R!! Good luck with your journey in keeping a saltwater tank!!

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Mike J. · Apr 28, 2013

We have a lot in common. I did a lot of snorkeling/diving in Okinawa back in the 70's and 80's. You could see the blue damsels shining 50 feet down from the cliffs. Well, I went on to get a couple degrees in biology. I always wanted some blue devil damsels. (I can hear the gasps.) I've got a pair of female blue devils that are over 8 years old. I keep wanting to take that tank down (55 gal.), but what would I do with the fish in there? I have a lot of very beautiful fish in my tanks, but when company comes over you know what they like the best? Yeah, the blue devils. Being a full blown reefer now with numerous tanks, you'd think I'd be ashamed of the blue devils? They are very beautiful fish when they're full grown - they really shine. Well, a trip down memory lane and how I ended up with this addiction.

justgotwet · Apr 28, 2013

Hello and welcome to reef 2 reef!

mike007 · Apr 28, 2013

Welcome are you planning on do a reef or just fish? If you are doing a reef read the posts on here and get an idea of what you will need to get started.

Squirrel · Apr 28, 2013

I did snorkeling all around Okinawa, I think the onlly time we stayed out of the water was when the Habu Jellyfish season came around

I saw a lot of pretty fish (as I am sure you did as well) and it really was an amazing experience. I grew up no where near the ocean so it really was an eye opener. I am glad you are happy with yout pretty blue damels

mike007:
Can you not do both? Just would like to have a clownfish or two and come coral

if that is possible anyway

Mike J. · Apr 28, 2013

I'm guessing you're a Marine then. Most people start off with some soft corals. Of course you can have clowns with anything.

Squirrel · Apr 28, 2013

Nope, I am Navy. I will look into the soft coral and see what may go well with a clownfish

thank you everyone

Rikerbear · Apr 28, 2013

Maybe a nice frog spawn or hammer LPS coral? Many clowns host them I've heard......

MelissaKathryn · Apr 28, 2013

Welcome! It will be a few months before you want to add your corals while your tank cycles.

I used to live in Pensacola, so I'm used to the Navy, too ;-)

Best of luck! Read lots on here before you purchase anything! Patience is key with this hobby if you haven't already figured that out.

justgotwet · Apr 28, 2013

Good luck getting your clowns host.

mike007 · Apr 28, 2013

Sure you can do both. If you are planning on doing a reef all you need to get started is good cured live rock. Skimmer ,powerheads for circulation and that will get you started. Dependant on what type of corals you would like to keep you will need the proper lighting. I believe in keeping it simple and cost down.

Squirrel · Apr 29, 2013

Great! Thank you for all the advice everyone. I will go have a look at the tanks a aila me in town to see if any fit my wants and needs. May be willing to go up to a 30 gallon if it isn't too crazy expensive and fits (so probably a tall one)

I figure if I start cycling it now I will be able to start adding stuff this summer when everything is set

MelissaKathryn · Apr 29, 2013

I would go as big as you possibly can because the larger the tank, the more of a buffer you have in case something goes wrong.. but, also because you are just going to fall in love and want more space for your fish and corals

I would suggest checking out your local craigslist and checking out the local/regional threads here to see if someone here is selling their tank and power heads. All of our tanks came to us from craigslist really cheap.. usually "if you can carry it out.. its yours!". Otherwise, if you are looking for a good deal, petco may still be having a $1 per gallon sale and you could pick up a 40 gallon breeder for $40 or a 30 gallon for $30. Then you would just need to get live rock, live sand, and protein skimmer! It helps to have a protein skimmer that skims more than you need it to, too. Just food for thought so you can invest as much as possible in some good, cured live rock!