New to saltwater Aquariums

[jherrman]

I started saltwater tanks on a budget too a few years back. It is kind of a difficult thing to do. Like somone above said, you technically don't have to have live sand if you don't want. Bare bottom tanks can look stunning. But then there are some invertebrates such as ness nassaurius snails (my personal favorite) that you cannot keep because they live in the sand. As for lighting you really don't need anything special if it will be a FOWLR tank. But just an f.y.i if you decide you want to turn it into a reef you will need a better than average light to compensate for the depth of the tank. And for a power head you can get a good one but still pretty cheap for around 40 or so before tax. I just saw a hydro power head for 40 yesterday at my lFS. And there is no need to drill holes in your very first saltwater tank. I would stay as basic and simple as possible to learn the equipment, what it does, and the benefits of it. I still do not drill holes in my tank or run a protein skimmer and my tank is doing extremely well. And research the different types of filtration too.

 

[undeadsoldier988]

That's the plan! I am just slowly picking up peices to get it all together

 

[WhoKnew]

I don't have all the up to date bells and whistles. My tank is basic. However, I have a coral reef tank, so I didn't skimp on my lighting. I just have a heater, skimmer, power head and lighting. I do have a quarantine tank though. Have fun. We are all here for your questions.

 

[JEFFREYDEANROSS]

I suggest a maroon clown and an anemone.maroons will bond with one right away...a friend has a 800gl tank ..fish only with a lg Anemone and 2 maroon clowns.one white and one yellow bands of color.. I have a Red Sea 130 (30gl) with corals (soft and hard) and a few fish. an anemone and a maroon clown. a blue tang..a foxface and 3 lyretail anthias ( one will morph into a male..best looking Anthias in my book!!)

 

[undeadsoldier988]

Now, the anemone don't require any special lighting?

 

[ohio reefer]

Now, the anemone don't require any special lighting?

Anemones require special lighting. Not really special but they need plenty of light to thrive. At the very least T5. My anemones are under 400 watt metal halide 12 inches above a 24 inch tank.

 

[undeadsoldier988]

Okay awsome

 

[JEFFREYDEANROSS]

Yeah...go for it.. you'll be surprised at how easy this sea stuff is.. ask if in doubt..and unfortunately the Percula clowns..( Nemos) do not bond with anemones..the best are Tomatoes or Maroons. They do right away!! I personally like yellow sripped Maroons..chk out the new hybrid species.."Lightning Maroons!! OUTRAGEOUS" COLORS!!!!! This guy has cross bred them..look them up on line. Some have sold for..$3000! that's right 3K!!! for one fish.. pretty crazy..but great if ya got the dough!!!

 

[undeadsoldier988]

Well I'm not buying a 3k fish anytime soon... but hell I would like it lol.

 

[undeadsoldier988]

Now.. lets talk seahorses.... they are a one tank creature right??

 

[undeadsoldier988]

In a FOWLR setup 30 gal

 

[Mike J.]

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/aq...60-intro-keeping-seahorses-krista-guogas.html

 

[WhoKnew]

I would suggest do not use filters. Your skimmer will do the work. Your rocks are your filter. A basic tank. Lights, skimmer, power head rock and sand if you choose. This doesn't have to be ridiculously expensive. Don't make it a chore. This is fun

 

[JEFFREYDEANROSS]

Anyone have experience with using "coral" glue?? safe..? not..?? I am talking about a "hollywood hard disc ..or any one for that matter..
thanks ahead of time for feedback


jdr

 

[WhoKnew]

I have had no luck with reef epoxy. I tried Gorilla Glue yesterday. It did not work under water. I've been told to try Super Glue Gel along with the Reef Epoxy. I am going to try that on my new frags.

 

[WhoKnew]

I have not tried sea horses, but they intrigue me? I have heard thru the grapevine that they are finicky eaters and shouldn't go in with some other fish. But would love to hear about some experiences with them.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I have not tried sea horses, but they intrigue me? I have heard thru the grapevine that they are finicky eaters and shouldn't go in with some other fish. But would love to hear about some experiences with them.

Seahorses can be finicky eaters. I have found that it is best to get captive bred specimens. These have a much higher survival rate and are already eating mysis. Seahorses only eat frozen mysis. They are also slow eaters and care must be taken in selecting tank mates for them.

 

[JEFFREYDEANROSS]

I had some Loctite Gel so I used it....worked great..underwater too!!! squeezed it out right where I wanted it.. gooped up right away..stuck the piece to the gob of glue and there ya go...I took the suggestions found here..( thanks guys!!!) and I find it Really works!! COOL!

 

[undeadsoldier988]

I'm gonna go with the powerheads, heater, skimmer and light setup, with live rock and sand. Think that will be ideal... then down the road get some corals

 

[WhoKnew]

Good choices. Have fun and show us some pictures.