Just Starting

[Nightrider302]

I've been into reef tanks for a while now, and finally I'm looking into starting one of my own, but everywhere I've been on the net isn't much help. All that I'm looking for is what to do once I've bought a tank. That's all I've done so far. It's something small, just a hobby for me and my dad to do for now, so I just got a 20 gallon. Where do I go from there?

 

[Jawbone]

back to the store and get a 50 Gallon tank hahaha just kidding.

Seriously check this out

http://www.masla.com/beginerreef.html

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

Good link.

 

[Anonymous]

Good luck and welcome to the board Nightrider. Use the search engine here when you come up with questions from your reading. I, and quite a few of us here, have very little faith in local fish stores (LFS's) so I always recommend that you double check anything they tell you here or any other source. One thing you will learn is that when you ask a question, you will get many different opinions from some very knowledgeable people. I read them all and use my own judgement to make an informed decision.

Good luck, let us know how it goes, use the search function and ask lots of questions!

 

[pghflame]

I agree with Tangirl. If you have a question, do the search function first. Not that anyone here minds to answer them, but they are usually already answered extensively and you have instant gratification! Good luck!

 

[reefworm]

Welcome on board!
The best aquisitions you can make in starting out is a few good resources of information.

I'll start a list for you, I'm sure others will add and annotate:

The Coral Reef Aquarium - Ron Shimek
The Natural Reef Aquarium - John Tullock
Aquarium Corals - Eric Borneman
Sandbed Secrets - Ron Shimek

other authors to look into are Palleta, Sprung and Delbeek. You might also do a thread and/or library search as Tangirl suggests, and include "books" in your search parameters. It's simply impossible to over-emphasize the importance of being well-read before taking the plunge.

If your decision to go with 20 gal. is a function of the fact that you're just starting out, keep in mind that the greater the water capacity, the more forgiving your system will be. Food for thought. Read lots first.

Best of luck! You've come to a good place for input. Don't be bothered/confused if opinions vary on various topics. Obviously there's more than one way to skin cats and keep reefs. The best remedy for any confusion is to read and ask even more. Save lots of frustration and $$$!

regards,
-rw

[ April 20, 2002: Message edited by: reefworm ]

[ April 20, 2002: Message edited by: reefworm ]</p>