New to the hobby looking for advice.

gsaxton90 · Dec 22, 2013

Hi everyone, i just joined R2R last night and would like some advice. I've had a 30 gallon freshwater tank for a few years and have had great success. With a few years into the freshwater tank I would really like to start a saltwater, but I'm not really sure on where to start and what I need etc...

Do any of you have any advice on sizes of tanks to start with, the best equipment for a saltwater tank, best types of fish for a beginner? Any and all advice is welcome!

Thanks,
Saxton

NC2WA · Dec 22, 2013

saxton,

I've been in the hobby for 20yrs and before you put a drop of saltwater in a tank, I highly suggest you get and read the following book:

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists (Microcosm/T.F.H. Professional): Robert M. Fenner, Matthew L. Wittenrich, Scott W. Michael: 9781890087999: Amazon.com: Books

all the questions you have about equipment, tank size, cycling a tank, water parametrs, disease, disease treatment, etc are answered in this book.

Squishie89 · Dec 22, 2013

Another great book; The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide: Michael S. Paletta, Edward Kadunc, Scott W. Michael, John Goodman: 0097818900875: Amazon.com: Books

mike007 · Dec 22, 2013

Welcome lots of help here.

glb · Dec 22, 2013

And ask a lot of questions here before you buy anything!

Coraloliseffect · Dec 22, 2013

+1 on the books of published works.

There are so many conflicting ideas and recommendation. Where a reputable published works have more scientific merit. Bad advise from lfs (looking for sale / local fish store) almost got me out of it before I really got started. Martin mo's and sprung and debrick's books gave me sound logical knowledge.

tyler1503 · Dec 22, 2013

This is some advice I wish I received before starting the hobby

Research is key.
Don't listen to the guy at the pet shop. He might be a great guy with some good advice, but at the end of the day he is just trying to push sales. This forum is an amazing place to get all the information you need.
As said above, some good books will be a great investment!
If something is working for you, don't change it. Parameters are only a guide (with a few exeptions). It's a great idea to try to stick to the recommended levels, but don't try to chase magic numbers, stability is far more important than having spot on numbers.
Beginner corals are usually just ones that tolerate lower water quality and also grow quickly. In a year or 2 you may find yourself wishing you never bought that Xenia frag, or those mushrooms.
I'm sure there's a lot more I could say, but that's the main things I wish I knew before starting this hobby.
Good luck!

NC2WA · Dec 23, 2013

saxton,

the only other advice I will give is this: Go slow and be patient...this hobby requires time AND patience..do not rush anything especially the cycling of tank..

larangcon · Dec 23, 2013

Welcome, just browse through old threads here you'll pick up a few pointers you might want to check out some of members tank threads also

Mtwreef · Dec 23, 2013

NC2WA said:
saxton,

the only other advice I will give is this: Go slow and be patient...this hobby requires time AND patience..do not rush anything especially the cycling of tank..

You nailed it but forgot about the cost it can get up there sometimes

NC2WA · Dec 24, 2013

mtwreef,

agreed on the costs....while we are here...IMO do NOT go cheap on skimmer or lights..two of the most critical pieces of equipment you will buy for your tank...this is an expensive hobby..if you want cheap stay with freshwater.

Coraloliseffect · Dec 30, 2013

A low cost beginner approach is look on local club or Craig's list for someone getting out of the hobby. Get there hole setup. Yes there will be problems with there set up. But will be cents on the dollar.

Assume this is just to get you going and you will be replacing everything. But by then you would of learned a lot and know what you want /need.

gtbarsi · Dec 30, 2013

Research, planning, and time are key. You should have a complete plan for everything down to every pipe, tube, and wire before you spend a penny on equipment, the same goes for livestock.

Unless you get a really good deal on a used setup know that you are going to be spending at least 1000.00 for an entry level 40-75 gallon setup. If you want the latest tech, then the sky is the limit on what you will spend, as there is always bigger, better out there.

Know that a good looking successful tank requires consistent maintenance. You can not ignore a salt water tank the way you can a fresh water tank. If you do you will pay for it, as it will show it's displeasure 20x as fast as a fresh water tank.

Ask questions of this great online community, we are all happy to provide our advise. I wish I had before I started my tank, as I would be much further along than I currently am.

It is never a good idea to buy less than what you believe you need for anything, replacing lesser equipment for what you should have gotten in the beginning gets very expensive. If you do not have enough to get what you really want / need then wait and save up more money.

Constantly question everything and anything at a LFS (in your head at least), few get much more than 50% correct, and I have left the LFS with out what the livestock I wanted just because something did not seem correct.

QT all livestock. This can not be said well enough, if you setup a QT from day 1 you will never regret it. If you do not and go with out for a bit one day you will, and on that day your entire tank and everything living in it will be at risk.