newbie questions - what do I need...

[kemerick]

I have a 60 gallon plexiglass tank and am thinking of making it into a saltwater tank. I have no idea what I need or where to get it. A co-worker told me to check out marinedepot.com.

I want to have a little bit or coral but I want to keep the cost low as I have been told that the monthly lighting bill can be really high as I am in So. Cal.

I was thinking of getting a shark but have read they get too big. So I will be looking at getting some cool looking fish that don't cost too much. Any suggestions? Any good sites?

 

[mike90]

i would recomend going to your LFS (local fish store), tell them what your goal is and they should be able to point you in the right direction. patience is key as i have learned with my new tank. mine has only been up and running for a month still in the cycling process. be prepared for some expenses with salt water.

anyway.
a good filtration system is key. i would recomend a wet/dry system. a protein skimmer is a plus to have also but not required right from the start. but you should get one later down the road.

you can check out www.marinedepot.com for some equipment

 

[dark_stranger]

I wouldnt recommend going to a fish shop until you know what they say is true or solely for they financial gain. Read books & ask loads of questions on here & other forums. We have all been beginners at one stage or another & therefore ask loads of silly questions, but also listen to the advise given as I have helped people before, only for them to be asking the same questions again & again. Good luck with your new project.

 

[ChrisRD]

Hi kemerick, and :welcome:

I recommend you browse through our beginner's FAQ to start:
http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.htm

I'd also recommend you get yourself a decent beginner's book before you get going. I suggest the Tullock and/or Fenner book on this list:
http://www.reefs.org/library/reading/beginner/beginner.html

...and of course, feel free to ask questions and do searches here on the board as well.

Arm yourself with some basic knowledge before you start buying equipment as it will save you loads of frustration and cash in the future.

 

[SnowManSnow]

<-- recommends getting experianced reefers' opinions.. and NOT just the LFS as they simply want to move product.

You'll need a skimmer... no wet / dry filtration (most LFS end up selling neophytes wet dry for some reason... lighting.. that will determine what you can keep down the road.. and LR to complete your filtration team.

GL!

Keep posting and asking questions!

B

 

[Mihai]

Listen to Chris -> don't buy anything until you read at least one book.
Then go look at the 2-3 LFS at their display tanks. Then strat buying things. If you don't have the patience for this slow start you probably will not be in the hobby in the long run.

M.

 

[Anonymous]

Another recommendation to avoid wet/dry filtration. You're much better off with live rock (often referred to as LR on reef forums). Read as much as you can, read some more and then come back to ask some questions!

Good luck!