Looking to start doing research on saltwater aquarium

AZdavid · Mar 31, 2014

I have a 85 gallon freshwater tank that ive kept healthy for the past 2 years after upgrading from a 55 gallon, but ive had this 55 gallon tank laying around ever since, I considered doing a brackish tank setup, but decided id really like to do saltwater. I guess my biggest question is if anybody has a good book to refer me to for research. Im completely new to saltwater, but im up for the challenge. Also I was going to originally upgrade my 85 freshwater tank to a 125 and use my the 85 as my saltwater, after doing research I realized im probably going to use a tank that I can have drilled, not a big deal, I wont mind having two 125 gallon tanks, but for now I was going to use the old 55 gallon and maybe just start up a coral tank and just learn the bassics until I move into my own house later this year and could just transfer the coral and everything to a bigger tank. Maybe use the 55 as a sump tank, im going to have to learn about the sump stuff too, but ill leave that for another question. Sorry bout the long question but any thought/advice and a good book for research would be much appriciated, thanks.

rock_lobster · Mar 31, 2014

I honestly didnt use a book to learn it. I think one of the best ways is to meet up locally with a hobbyist. There are many spacial elements that can be difficult to glean from text and with the help of an experienced reefer in person you can be set up and done in a few days. There is also endless amounts of information available on these forums just use the search function and you can find responses to any question that should arrive.

AZdavid · Mar 31, 2014

Thanks, i just joined this forum, ill do some more reading up on info that is already here.

kschweer · Mar 31, 2014

Welcome! I would also recommend looking around the internet. Especially sites like this and a couple others. Here's a great one for tank/sump set up:
http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html
And there's a bunch of great articles here (some a bit advanced but good reads nonetheless):
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/chemistry.php

While doing your research and have questions start a thread and ask away. There's tons of experienced reefers here that would be happy to help. Also try to find if there is a local reef club in your area. Go to a few meetings and pick some members brains. Best of luck!

marvelousone · Mar 31, 2014

Take your time and don't rush. Ask any and all your questions on here. Like Rock Lobster said meet locals.

ReefMadScientist · Mar 31, 2014

I can always help. Yes, I got a book at Barnes & Noble and researched as much as I can. I like doing things myself and hate asking people for basic information that I could read up on.

Not saying I never ask for help because i do

My book that I started out with was The Marine Reef Aquarium by Philip Hunt. Read that book a couple of times before I jumped in.

The Flying Turkey · Apr 1, 2014

This book is excellent:

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist (Microcosm/T.F.H. Professional): Robert M. Frenner: 9781890087999: Amazon.com: Books

MrDJeep123 · Apr 1, 2014

rock_lobster said:
I honestly didnt use a book to learn it. I think one of the best ways is to meet up locally with a hobbyist. There are many spacial elements that can be difficult to glean from text and with the help of an experienced reefer in person you can be set up and done in a few days. There is also endless amounts of information available on these forums just use the search function and you can find responses to any question that should arrive.

The biggest problem with going to forums for questions, is that people continue to spread a lot of misinformation. Myths get told as facts, and facts get dismissed as myths. Forums you get a sense of how people are building their tanks and what they use as sumps and general ideas on equipment used. Books are a GREAT way to start in building the foundation for husbandry knowledge. There may be tons of reef books at your local library. There was quite the collection at mine.
I'm not dissing the internet or our beloved forums, but you really have to have a scrutinizing eye as to what to sift through sometimes.