Newbie - Local Store Recommendations (Austin) -initial setup

[brianK]

Have caught the reef bug pretty bad, and now am looking at setting up a saltwater aquarium. I've been reading up and know that it will take a good while in the initial setup to get the environment (ie tank) ready for its inhabitants, so thought I would get some good hints/tips/ideas from those in the know locally, to get the ball rolling.

What are your recommendations for local stores in getting the initial setup for
doing a SW aquarium? Was thinking of starting with around a 50gal setup. What equipment would be good to start off with? What inhabitants whould be good to start off with, after the tank is prepped?

Any pointers/tips/ideas on getting started are greatly appreciated!

Brian

[Nano_Steve]

brian,

welcome to maast!

youve come to a great place for info about starting up and there are many folks here that have been in the hobby for quite some time. you''ve picked a decent size to start and thats a great way to begin. the bigger the tank, the easier it is to care for. your best place to get just about everything for your setup is here within the group. aquatek is a great place to find some gorgeous animals and some pretty good equipment. austin aquariums has a vat in their back room full of live rock but im not sure whether its cured or not.

if youre wanting to put critters in soon you should get cured rock,, but if you want to wait and go through the whole experience of making your own rock you can get some uncured. check out the for sale threads here and post some threads in the wanted section. i know for sure someone will have some of the things you need.

hth, steve

[StephenA]

As far as local stores, go to AquaTek. Talk to Arron for Reef tanks with fish and talk to Bruce for Invert only tanks. They will not try to sell you anything.

Take time to search this site for info as well. Ask questions on anything!!!! before you purchase stuff!

[reefer]

of course, i would also recommend Tim Marvin for stocking your tank!

aquadome gets some really good liverock (if you don't mind paying retial.. otherwise see tim)

8)

[dan]

pm me if you need a wet/dry filter. i'm sure i have something setting around. or if you want to go with something costom with fuge.

[ratboy]

Check for tanks, used equipment, and live rock in the for sale section right here! Id recommend a 75 but regardless of the size you get, get one thats drilled so you can have a sump. If you dont intend to stock SPS corals or lots of clams, Id start w/ vho lighting you'll have less problems w/ algae in the begining(you can always use the vhos for actincs if you decide to add MH later). Pumps, skimmers ( i dont use one -refugium instead ) all depend on what you want to keep and how much $$ you have to spend. When you are ready LFS I check out are - Austin aquariums, Aquatek, Aquadome, Gallery of pets.

[brianK]

Thanks for info!! Yeah still trying to do my homework on what I need, how to get things setup. Know an associate at work that can get me LS (or it may be LR) pretty cheap, so I won't have to start from scratch. Dan I may be in touch once I get the tank and get things up and running.

If I use LR/LS to start the tank, on average, how long before the tank is ready for inhabitants? Whats the best ones to start out with, and how many would live comfortably in a 50gal?

Brian

[saltcreepette]

let your water tests be your guide, but generally I wouldnt add anything other than live sand or rock sooner than one month. start with a cleanup crew (snails, hermits, etc). I highly recommend cleaner shrimp cuz theyre interesting and functional. for a 55 I would go with smaller, reef safe fishes like chromis, basslets, gobies, blennies. have fun!

[bozack]

Depending on what you are looking for I am selling this 55 off.
Not sure if you could get it drilled but you could certainly fit a Hang on filter with it.
http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=5966

[matt]

The first thing is to decide what size/shape tank you want. Rather than the standard 55 gallon which is only 12" front to back, I'd recommend either a 45 breeder or a 58 gallon standard. The footprint is 36" by 18" for both; the only difference is the depth (height) of the tank. This shape tank is better for aquascaping live rock and gives you a much better sand bed size in relation to the tank. If you want a 4 ft tank, definitely go to 75 gallons rather than 55. Good circulation and lighting, two of the most important aspects of a good reef tank, are much easier to achieve in this shape tank as well.

A REALLY good book to start with is "The coral reef aquarium" by Ron Shimek. It's a small book written for the beginner and has lots of useful info, no BS (unusual in this hobby, sad to say) and will get you going on the essential stuff you have to know.

Have fun!

[brianK]

Bozack,

I sent you a PM with a few questions...

The replies are very helpful....thanks all for all the pointers.

Brian

[Tim Marvin]

It is possible to keep a nice reef with hang on filters.... You just need to stay on top of the maintenence.

[brianK]

Well, went ahead and got the 58gal Oceanic tank/stand from Austin Aquariums. Gonna check on Monday with my associate at work to find out about getting some LR/LS to get me started. Went ahead and purchased a Prizm skimmer with it.

So what is everyone doing about water filling for SW tanks? Using RO/DI system to clear tap water? Getting water from the stores? Just curious.

Brian

[Tim Marvin]

If you bring a garbage can, I can fill you up with RO/DI water.