How to Start?

[Judy@SYA]

For the background, here's my intro thread here:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/so-much-to-learn.211670/

To sum up...I'm totally new and would like to start learning how to create and keep a successful saltwater aquarium. I've been reading a LOT, but I'm a hands-on learner. Even if I don't have something physical to touch, so long as I have something to plan and work towards, I am a happy camper. I've got a long way to go before involving live creatures...no doubt. But where do I start?

I can make room in my life for a 15-20 gallon aquarium at this time. In the future, I'll go bigger. But I've gotta start somewhere.

SO, what would folks recommend for starting with that size, for a total newb who wants to learn? Fish only? Live rock and fish only? Something more specific?

 

[Oscaror]

It all depends what corals you want, that, more than anything, determines the equipment you need

 

[Judy@SYA]

It all depends what corals you want, that, more than anything, determines the equipment you need

I'm not sure if I want corals to start off with or not. I mean, I'd love to have some, but I'm open to starting out with something simpler and more economic.

I like movement and color and architecture. So, at a minimum, I'd want some kind of interesting rock formations with colorful fish that like to show off and not hide all the time.

 

[thehammer1985]

Lots of research. Pre plan everything you do . Buy books ,scour these forums the Internet and places like advanced aquarist. With that size tank I would defiantly look up running a sump to add more water under your tank it'll help with your chemistry (dilution is the solution). Also look up cycling a tank and equipment needed. Don't go cheap you get what you pay for. One of the biggest things I can say is go slow nothing happens overnight in reefing.

 

[Oscaror]

I'm not sure if I want corals to start off with or not. I mean, I'd love to have some, but I'm open to starting out with something simpler and more economic.

I like movement and color and architecture. So, at a minimum, I'd want some kind of interesting rock formations with colorful fish that like to show off and not hide all the time.

Well your lights depend on what corals you want, your filtration depends on what corals you want, your flow depends on what corals you want, and your aquascape depends on what corals you want. So you need to know what you want before you get anything besides the tank.

 

[thehammer1985]

Your best bet right now is to read pick people's brains on single topics and read read read

 

[thehammer1985]

Visit a reputable saltwater fishstore. Not one that's gonna try to burn holes in your pockets and pick there brains

 

[Judy@SYA]

Your best bet right now is to read pick people's brains on single topics and read read read

Yes! This is the start of my "picking brains" phase.

Visit a reputable saltwater fishstore. Not one that's gonna try to burn holes in your pockets and pick there brains

Can anyone recommend any in the DC area?

 

[thehammer1985]

Right now for my brains input I would defiantly suggests studying up on fish and coral types and care . Also research water chemistry

 

[Judy@SYA]

Well your lights depend on what corals you want, your filtration depends on what corals you want, your flow depends on what corals you want, and your aquascape depends on what corals you want. So you need to know what you want before you get anything besides the tank.

Well, if I go with corals, then I'd want to start with Xenia, Zoanthus, and/or Disconsoma. I'm not the least bit ready to run out and buy a bunch of stuff right now. I'm just trying to get an idea of a realistic goal to start learning about and planning for. If you think starting with these corals IS the best way to go, then I'll be excited to consider them.

 

[steve&mari]

Also I'd like to add it's better to buy better larger rated equipment so the upgrade time comes you can continue to use it and save cost on upgrading. But agree with everyone you need some kinda plan for your tank long term to start off best. Happy reefing

 

[steve&mari]

Well, if I go with corals, then I'd want to start with Xenia, Zoanthus, and/or Disconsoma. I'm not the least bit ready to run out and buy a bunch of stuff right now. I'm just trying to get an idea of a realistic goal to start learning about and planning for. If you think starting with these corals IS the best way to go, then I'll be excited to consider them.

All great starter corals be careful with xenia it can take over if you allow it too.

 

[Oscaror]

then

Well, if I go with corals, then I'd want to start with Xenia, Zoanthus, and/or Disconsoma. I'm not the least bit ready to run out and buy a bunch of stuff right now. I'm just trying to get an idea of a realistic goal to start learning about and planning for. If you think starting with these corals IS the best way to go, then I'll be excited to consider them.

I agree w/ steve&mari, get good equipment since you're planning an upgrade

 

[jd371]

I was in your shoes 3 months ago. Right now my 75g has just finished cycling and is ready for the first inhabitants... a CUC. In the meantime I'm building a canopy for the tank and setting up a QT as well.
My point is that I knew nothing 3 months ago, but I researched and read a lot to get to where I am right now. Learn as much as you can and then plan on what you want, and start to buy the equipment once you know where you're going with the tank.
Like was mentioned before, if you can add a sump or just go a little bigger with the tank it will make things a little easier for you since you're just starting out. Things happen quickly in a smaller tank, while a bigger tank will give you time to correct anything that goes askew with parameters or temp.

 

[thehammer1985]

Like steve said Xenia can defiantly take off and become a weed then when you want to progress into more difficult corals you will still be fighting with it in you tank. Mushrooms (discosoma, rhosactis) are pretty forgiving . Zoas and plays as well. Look into toadstool and leathers. Kenya trees. These are all good starter peices

 

[thehammer1985]

I've been doing this for about 9 years and I just recently took on a nanotank. It is alot to keep up with and things can go bad rapidly

 

[Flashy Fins]

In the 15 to 20 gallon range, I personally think a 20 gallon long is the best tank for a beginner, if you have the space. The longer length allows your fish swimming room they'll greatly appreciate. If you don't have the space for that length tank or don't want to choose all of your equipment piece by piece, biocubes are a popular beginner choice, since they come with lights, filtration, etc.

As for fish only versus reef, you can do either, but the latter will require better lighting and more attention to things like water changes, so your parameters stay in check. There are easy corals for beginners such as xenia, which moves in the current and appeals to most beginners, and mushrooms, which come in a variety of colors; both are inexpensive. I think a tank looks better with some simple corals and fish than with fish alone. That said, there's no reason you can't start with a fish or two, then add corals down the line. Start with good lights that are capable of growing corals, so you don't have to buy all new lights when the time comes (T5 is a popular choice; avoid lights meant for freshwater tanks, such as T8).

All rock in a tank is live rock in time. If you purchase base rock, it becomes live once bacteria start inhabiting it (unavoidable and good for the tank). Many people buy a couple of pieces of live rock to seed their tank and save money with base rock for the rest. You can also start with all base rock and just let things happen in time.

 

[thehammer1985]

I completely agree with the statement above, he pretty much hit the nail right on the head. And provided a lot of good information. The only thing that I would second guess as numerous times and from personal experience it is been thought that a 55 gallon tank was the perfect beginners tank. A 20 gallon without a sump can be demanding for beginners. But if you do your research and stay on top of the water parameters regularly it should be okay. In that size of a tank and only doing corallimorphians and softies t5ho should be plenty in that tank. You're going to need heaters and keep your temperature for most saltwater inhabitants other than cold water species at roughly 78 - 82 degrees. Regardless of what anybody tells you do not cycle your tank with a damsel fish these fish are extremely hard to get out can cause havoc as their territorial and it it can harm the fish going through the high levels of ammonia and nitrite. If you look up cycling and look up water parameters or water chemistry that will give you a very good and basic idea of what to expect at the beginning. Sorry if any of this is jumbled but I have to talk to text right now As I am at work.

In the 15 to 20 gallon range, I personally think a 20 gallon long is the best tank for a beginner, if you have the space. The longer length allows your fish swimming room they'll greatly appreciate. If you don't have the space for that length tank or don't want to choose all of your equipment piece by piece, biocubes are a popular beginner choice, since they come with lights, filtration, etc.

As for fish only versus reef, you can do either, but the latter will require better lighting and more attention to things like water changes, so your parameters stay in check. There are easy corals for beginners such as xenia, which moves in the current and appeals to most beginners, and mushrooms, which come in a variety of colors; both are inexpensive. I think a tank looks better with some simple corals and fish than with fish alone. That said, there's no reason you can't start with a fish or two, then add corals down the line. Start with good lights that are capable of growing corals, so you don't have to buy all new lights when the time comes (T5 is a popular choice; avoid lights meant for freshwater tanks, such as T8).

All rock in a tank is live rock in time. If you purchase base rock, it becomes live once bacteria start inhabiting it (unavoidable and good for the tank). Many people buy a couple of pieces of live rock to seed their tank and save money with base rock for the rest. You can also start with all base rock and just let things happen in time.

 

[thehammer1985]

Also do some research on the difference between live rock and bedrock in short live rock is rock that comes from living Reed and is loaded with biodiversity is good and bad. Dry rock is rock that has been harvested from dried out Reed or created to look like live rock. There is a curing process for the rock before you put it into your tank. This is another key point that should be researched before starting. Also there has been too large to pay of going with a substrate bottom or a bare bottom tank do research and figure out which one you would prefer. Also if you end up going with substrate make sure that you rinse it before you put it in your aquarium. Some of the equipment that you're going to need for testing to begin is as follows... Ammonia test kit nitrite test kit, nitrate test kit, and a refractometer. In my opinion it is not necessary to test the water until it is cycled 4 magnesium alkalinity and calcium.

 

[thehammer1985]

If it's OK with you and you give me a couple of hours when I get home I can direct you to a couple of great links that will definitely help you get started in the right direction and understand what I'm talking about. Unfortunately I was never very good at writing essays in school so I understand that what I'm talking about can be confusing. But it'll all come together. And if you do it slowly and do your research it'll be a very rewarding hobby and something that you can be proud of and something that helps you relax.