Reef Tanks Gallery
first Reef Tank…pointers please?
I am starting my first Reef Tank, 75 gallon, i would like some tips and pointers on what to buy(as in what filters skimmers lighting etc. are best especially on a fixed income) (i know how to cycle so thats no prob) what to stock first, what are some nice unique fish good for a starter, also corals, and such…i have had both a tropical community tank and a fancy goldfish tank, both 55g, that were awesome, looked amazing and the peramiters were always perfect…but when it comes to salt water i feel like an idiot!once i get started i will be fine…its the starting i cant seem to wrap my mind around! if anyone out there can help me i would really appreciate it!
also i would love for my tank to one day look this wonderful!
http://www.thereeftank.com/gallery/misc.php?do=printimage&i=176
Thank you
first things first, educate, educate, educate yourself- along with the books suggested I always lend my copy of “the complete idiots guide to saltwater aquariums”– tend to disagree about the forums tho, although a lot of good advice there tends to be a snobby, know it all thing there where they will belittle and frustrate you (IMO).
couple tips:
–educate, educate, educate, yeah, I already said that but can’t say it enough
-start slow! start slow! be patient! — take your time, let your tank age and develop gradually, everyone wants to get in a hurry and get that pretty new fish or coral– wait, learn
- you say you are on a fixed income- you’ll need to learn what to and what not to spend money on (valves, tubes, electrical components, pumps, lighting fixtures and such can always be purchased at hardware store, ebay, craigslist cheaper than your LFS) and remember, your local store is in business to sell, there are good ones out there but get second opinions and research before purchasing ANYTHING, be it equipment, livestock, chemicals- there is a lot of information out there (and no offense to anyone on here but not the most knowledgeable helpful place especially some of the “top contributers”
my 125g reef in this video has “only” about $1500 invested by finding stuff on craigslist, ebay, the hardware store etc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko8M_ZxmL60
as far as what to buy- a protein skimmer is very very important, an external wet dry trickle filter is ideal but I have had several reefs running on just canisters and protein skimmers. T5 lighting is probably your best bet, better than compact fluorescent or t8/12, metal halide is ideal but runs very expensive and very hot so not only looking at pricey but maybe a chiller on a 75g– again, look for used or be patient on ebay– I am running a $300 reef octopus skimmer that I picked up for75bucks, I run t5s from aquaticlife that have built in timers and fans and great bulbs for half the price of the competition, my powerheads are actually cheapo fountain pumps from harbor freight tools
ok, the answer to your question: educate yourself, take your time!! good luck
Emperor Angelfish – SW Aquaria Gallery
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