Introduction - new to saltwater

[shannon767]

Hi everyone. I am new to the saltwater aquarium world and am so excited to get started. I was given a 37g eclipse, and want to start a reef tank. I currently have a 20g freshwater that I love, but I'm dying to get the reef tank started.

So...I love everything saltwater and want absolutely everything! LOL! I have no idea where to begin. Can you provide me with reliable sources and maybe some books? I'm big on reading and researching before beginning.

I'd like to purchase equipment as I go along. Is that possible, or do I need to purchase everything up front? One thing I've learned from setting up my freshwater tank, I don't like starting small, because I always end up upgrading. So I'd rather start with what is best to use long term. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

I've heard this is a great forum, and I'm excited to get started. Thanks in advance for any advice or help you can give me.

Shannon

 

[twilliard]

Hi Shannon welcome to the R2R community!
Here is a great start: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
We are here to help and assist

 

[shannon767]

Thank you! I appreciate that. I will start right away with that link.

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome Shannon, and congratulations on your new tank.

Research will save you tons of money and frustration so soak it up. Slow and steady.

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[glb]

Welcome!! Ask a lot of questions before you buy anything. There's a lot of articles here about getting started. You don't have to buy everything at once. And you're right that you should buy good equipment the first time around. Good doesn't necessarily mean super expensive. You'll need a protein skimmer for filtration. I'd also add carbon and gfo to keep the water cleaner. You'll need good tests for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates during the cycling process. I also recommend a digital ph monitor and refractometer (for salinity). You'll also want to test for alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium (if you have corals). You'll need a good thermometer and a heater (unless you live in South Florida like me!). You can add lights later if you won't have coral right away. You can also wait on an aquarium controller (like apex). I'm sure I've left out something but I'm sure others will chime in. Good luck!