Hello fellow humans!
I've spent a good few years with the idea of starting a saltwater tank, and now I want to get down to doing it. My knowledge in the hobby is limited but I've spent many, many, many hours reading up on the hobby and watching a lot of YouTube videos on various topics surrounding the hobby.
I currently have a 33 gallon tank (I think it's 33 gallon) I heard it's a decent size to begin with due to nano tanks being hard to handle because small fluctuations in water quality being disastrous (Please correct me in anything I'm saying).
I need advice on how to get going from this point. I have an idea of the equipment needed and will gradually gather the items slowly overtime. I know patience is key with saltwater tanks.
If explaining everything is too much and you guys have good, easy to understand (newbie level of understanding) articles that can hold my hand through the process then please share.
I'm aiming for a coral tank (the cool wavy looking corals that move with the water flow from the power heads) mixed with fish.
My main areas of much needed knowledge are:
- Is a sump NEEDED? I have a 10 gallon tank and saw a way online of using glass to divide it up using silicone sealer to make compartments. Would 10 gallon be enough? What compartments should I consider making?
- If I use a sump, do i need an actual filter system? Such as an over the edge waterfall or even a submerged filter? Likewise, if i use traditional filtration, do I need a sump? I understand why sumps are beneficial but not sure if other filtration is needed at the same time
- Lighting. Does the lighting need to produce a certain spectrum of lighting to keep the fish healthy? (I have the understanding that coral require the use of the blue wavelength to be healthy)
I'm sure I have a billion questions but I would like to get the basics in check before I start any of this. Maybe if I get help from you guys here, I'll post pictures as I go (whenever that will be) of how it's all coming along.
Thanks for your time you fine people!
Rob P
As-of-yet a none saltwater tank owner
I've spent a good few years with the idea of starting a saltwater tank, and now I want to get down to doing it. My knowledge in the hobby is limited but I've spent many, many, many hours reading up on the hobby and watching a lot of YouTube videos on various topics surrounding the hobby.
I currently have a 33 gallon tank (I think it's 33 gallon) I heard it's a decent size to begin with due to nano tanks being hard to handle because small fluctuations in water quality being disastrous (Please correct me in anything I'm saying).
I need advice on how to get going from this point. I have an idea of the equipment needed and will gradually gather the items slowly overtime. I know patience is key with saltwater tanks.
If explaining everything is too much and you guys have good, easy to understand (newbie level of understanding) articles that can hold my hand through the process then please share.
I'm aiming for a coral tank (the cool wavy looking corals that move with the water flow from the power heads) mixed with fish.
My main areas of much needed knowledge are:
- Is a sump NEEDED? I have a 10 gallon tank and saw a way online of using glass to divide it up using silicone sealer to make compartments. Would 10 gallon be enough? What compartments should I consider making?
- If I use a sump, do i need an actual filter system? Such as an over the edge waterfall or even a submerged filter? Likewise, if i use traditional filtration, do I need a sump? I understand why sumps are beneficial but not sure if other filtration is needed at the same time
- Lighting. Does the lighting need to produce a certain spectrum of lighting to keep the fish healthy? (I have the understanding that coral require the use of the blue wavelength to be healthy)
I'm sure I have a billion questions but I would like to get the basics in check before I start any of this. Maybe if I get help from you guys here, I'll post pictures as I go (whenever that will be) of how it's all coming along.
Thanks for your time you fine people!
Rob P
As-of-yet a none saltwater tank owner
