Newbie Seeking Advice

[N0W3P]

Hi All,

Been reading posts here for a while, and I think it's time...

Have been a freshwater tank keeper for 30 years, and love them...but, salt water has always been something I've been too afraid to try until now.

I've recently come into a 75 gallon short tank that has me thinking it's time to take a stab at salt...

I will take any advice y'all have to offer, but specifically I'm looking for a few things:

- Good LFS in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area
- Equipment/setup recommendations for a simple tank. Don't mind spending a little money to do it right, but wanting to keep entry price down until I get saltwater figured out and see what I like
- Livestock recommendations welcome, but thinking live rock and a couple simple fish will keep me happy for a while
- Design suggestions. Im huge on natural landscapes, amd I've studied tank layout and design ideas, but wondering if anyone has suggestions/ideas specifically for a low side tank
- Thoughts on filtration. I know overflows are best, but I'm freaked the heck out about drilling glass. Any good alternative suggestions, or help with solid diy kits?
- helpful ideas for keeping my setup compact. We're in a relatively small space for another year, so taking over half a room isn't really in the cards. Will be able to expand in another year when we move, but for now looking to keep the footprint as small as responsibly possible

Thanks for having patience with me putting this all in one place - didn't really want to chase responses across all the individual threads that already have good info - I promise I'm trying to wade through them all on my own to pay back your understanding...

 

[Speedy]

Hey . I moved from freshwater to marine recently . it's been a great experience. The best advice i can give you .is
1. Dont rush the cycling / stocking part of the process. Let nature take its course
2. Dont try to fix every issue in your tank at the same time with quickfix solutions
3. Algae WILL happen .
4. Never panic . Seek good advice from experienced people.
5.see rule no 1

Hope that helps enjoy .

 

[Salty1962]

You can add HOB protein skimmers that don't take up allot of space. Go with some quality LR, this will save you a ton of headaches. Start off with hardy fish to begin with and don't get anything you can't sale or transfer to future tank. As mentioned, educate yourself by reading and asking questions and be patient! See how you do with the initial setup and you may want to go bigger/better in your new home
We are here to help you along the way

 

[njtiger aquariums]

Been doing saltwater for about 2 years now. As already mention research research research. Now equipment is base on what your keeping. If your doing fish only I don't think you really need a skimmer but they do help. If you do corals you should have a skimmer. The cost on a saltwater tank will always be climbing (mainly when you get bit by the coral bug lol). Take your time and don't rush it. Nothing good happens quickly in saltwater.

The first investment I suggest making is a RO/DI unit. They can be pricey but saves you from making trips to your LFS and buying water.