Completely New to Hobby any suggestions?

[CrissyG]

Hello everyone!
I am completely new to this hobby and really cannot wait to dive in. I have been doing a little research, reading basic guides. I am ready to take the next step. I found a 60 gal tank at PetSmart that I would like to use for my setup. So that leads me to my first question, of probably MANY, for you guys. Do you have any suggestions for a newbie? I really want to go reef. I think if I went FOWLR I would regret it later on. We do not have any real speciality stores in my area, just a local PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus. And I really do not have any family or friends with saltwater tanks. After purchasing the empty tank, what would be your next purchase/step? The tank is coming with a stock hood, which I know will not work for a reef tank. So....any help, suggestions? they will be greatly appreciated!

 

[ionix]

My first step before buying the tank would've been to find lights that were good.

I'd look online for lights, there are great ebay auctions for residents of the states for reasonable shipping (way better than the LFS, way more bang for the buck).

Then find somoene to drill the tank to install a sump (no water in the tank). This is a guide in itself, but necessary to get a really premium tank look.

Then, I'd decide whether I want to go bare bottom (I've seen some tanks, its really great for getting rid of excess food (sand can easily become a detritus trap without the proper amount of circulation).

Find a person on Kijiji selling live rock (really a lot cheaper). Take a look at their tanks, if they look like ****, tell them you'll be back with your BF/GF ("the pros" (a lie, don't return)). Bigger the better I'd say. After that, fill your tank to 1.024-1.026 water.

Put the rock in.

Turn the circulation fans (more the better, in most cases), skimmer, lights, and leave it for at least two months (this is called a farrow tank (with no fish). This will ensure most really dangerous disease that could have been transferred is has starved, and some of the junk is released from the rock (anything unwanted that has absorbed).

Doing 20% water changes weekly (test it, if it is more than moderate in ammonia, nitrite/rate, then water change).

After all that, I'd get my first fish.

disclaimer: this is all if I were actually had any patience.

 

[ionix]

I forgot to mention the quarantine tank. That is also pretty awesome, and completely and utterly necessary for a reef tank. Quarantine and treat all fish that are incoming. Perhaps have a second one for invertebrates.

Again, I suggest this as if I were perfect.

In the end though, the bright side is that if you fill your tanks with the healthy, uncomprimised fish you chose, you don't have to worry about most disease ever again. Those two quarantines can be used to raise sea monkies (brine shrimp), raise your own planktonic cultures, etc. to feed your tanks at almost no cost.

There I think I spend around $500 for you in the last two posts.

 

[TopNotchCorals]

Here's a list to make things easy, I can sit here and come up with 100's of different equipment plans because equipment in this hobby changes rapidly but ill just list the basics for ya.

1. Tank and sump
2. Protein Skimmer
3. Lighting (Metalhalides,T5's, LED's)
4. Water movement (Powerheads/return pump)
5. Live Rock(a pound a gallon is typical)

 

[CoralReefDesigns]

I always think of the future when buying equipment for a reef tank, get products that are reliable and have good customer service. you can do a search on almost any product you have a questions about and i guarantee you will find any info you need.
Research,Research,Research, ask questions and be patient!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

We appreciate your membership!

Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

 

[CrissyG]

Thank you all so much! I am really excited about setting this tank up. PIs there any good books or guides you would suggest that I read? I am trying to do as much research as possible....or that my patience will allow. that is the hard part.

 

[VB68]

Welcome to Reef2Reef and the addiction... start slow, nothing good happens fast in this hobby, research, ask questions. Lots of helpful people on here. Get the best equipment your budget can handle. Beats buying cheapmade and turn around have to buy again latter.

 

[CoralReefDesigns]

Tony Vargas' s "The Coral Reef Aquarium" excellent!
Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[CrissyG]

Thank you! I will def check that book out. I need all the help I can get!

 

[nanoman]

Read, Read, Read, Read, Read. You will learn more about this hobby from reading through tank builds and expert advice than any store employee can ever tell you. I guarantee that most members of forums will help you with all questions. I will tell you that my greatest regret is not drilling my tank.

 

[Rikerbear]

This is a great read right here on R2R. Welcome to the hobby!!
Reef 2 Reef - How to Setup a Saltwater Aquarium

 

[CrissyG]

Thanks again everyone! I purchased the tank this weekend. I am super excited that I finally decided on one. I will def be ordering the book and I will def read the site.