Thinking about saltwater tank

[multiham]

Spent today At Assateague Island seashore park in Maryland. Wife and kids really liked the saltwater tanks they have in the visitor center. They now want to get a tank for our house.

Any suggestions or thoughts on subject appreciated. Also, are there good books to get or forums to visit? Like to gather info before I jump into something.

Thanks!

Steve

[Masterlu]

Oh yeah, I'll post some links tomorrow!

[MasterLuJr]

Well for beginners what kind of tank are you thinking? First you need to figure out size? Then type, I.E. Aggressive fish, Fish only w/live rock or full reef tank? If there is a definite type of fish you want then that can make the decision for you.

I can guide you through pretty much everything. I currently have a 50 gallon reef tank for past 5 yrs. Plus my dad had a aggressive 220 gallon tank for years.

Once you decide type then you decide what type of lighting to go with. I can give you links to buy everything from fish, inverts, corals, live sand/rock all online.

Let me know what your thinking and I can guide you. It's a great hobby! Can be a little overwhelming at first but the reward is well worth it!

[Vintage Pete]

Steve....It is a great hobby indeed. I had a saltwater tank many years ago, it was a 55 gallon. I had Clowns, Angels, Tangs, Lionfish and more in it. The hobby is a little involved but very rewarding, and you can really create a beautiful world. I'm quite sure Ivan and Richard will guide you down the right path to a very successful outcome. Have fun!

Pete

[multiham]

Sounds like we have some passion for saltwater tanks! Appreciate the offer for help. Here are my initial (uneducated) thoughts:

Believe we would like a tank that has coral and less aggressive fish. Do not need to constantly explain the food chain to my young daughter! Pretty fish and coral should go long way with wife and daughter!

Do not know about tank size. Would like a tank that a new person can handle, but one that offers some future flexibility. Is there any guide on how large of a space you need to support a certain size tank. In other words, do you need 10 feet of space to support a 50 gallon tank and equipment. Perfect place for tank would be our family room. It is all carpet. Does that work or do you need different flooring because of spillage when you're working on tank?

How much time is required each week for cleaning, maintenance, etc? I travel a bit for my job and want to understand what my wife would potentially need to do. Also, is it possible to buy the right equipment upfront to automate as much of the maintenance as possible?

is there a basic list of what I would need so I can get an idea on pricing?

Appreciate your help and suggestions!

Thanks!

Steve

[Masterlu]

Steve.... you are in luck LuJr is an avid & successful "Reef Man"

He does sleep late though...

[PHC1]

Steve, I've had various saltwater tanks over the years as well, reef and fish only. I would suggest you start out by selecting a tank as big as budget and space allows but start out with live rock and fish only until you get up to speed and are sure you like the hobby enough to put in the time and money required to maintain it. A reef tank requires quite a bit more knowledge and equipment. Water chemistry, lighting and knowledge of what each coral needs and wants takes a bit of research, learning and practice.

With a tank of 90 gal and above, the water chemistry stays a bit more consistent with less effort to maintain the quality. With live rock, some basic equipment, a few hardy specimens of saltwater fish and some basic knowledge, you are almost guaranteed success. Anything more requires quite a bit more knowledge and effort.

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have much to choose from
in terms of selection of fish and coral. This hobby is not what it used to be 20 years ago. There are very few places left around the world where they collect specimens from and sadly our oceans are not what they used to be either... Mail order may be a necessity. Fortunately there are more and more tank raised specimens of both fish and coral available.

I gave up on the hobby a while ago as ultimately it almost always ends up with the specimens eventually dying or being given away to other enthusiasts as time, resources and/or commitment to the hobby changes.

To spare you from grief, waste of time, money and unnecessary death of the marine fish and corals, please do some research first on what is involved and if you are willing to put in the necessary effort to have a rewarding hobby of keeping these wonderful creatures.

Best of luck!

[Masterlu]

Serge is on point, I pretty much got into it hot & heavy. Dropped $50k+ over 4 years, I eventually gave the entire rig away. Mainly because of my travels to & from my Cape home...

I do have visitation though

[multiham]

Appreciate all the good advice! My plan is to really do my homework prior to jumping in.

Serge- I'm in Bucks county and believe you are not that far away. Do you know if any of the local places you used are still around?

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by multiham

Appreciate all the good advice! My plan is to really do my homework prior to jumping in.

Serge- I'm in Bucks county and believe you are not that far away. Do you know if any of the local places you used are still around?

Oh, that's right, you are local. I've been out of the hobby for a while Steve. Most of the places that were good are no longer in business. Those that are still around have a pretty pathetic selection... I do remember visiting a place in NJ that was actually pretty good, I'll try to find it for you.