My First Tank!!!

[krazykdnb]

I have been a freshwater keeper for about 7 years now...I was recently devistated when an unidentified disease took my beautiful angels, so, saltwater here I come. I understand that this is going to be alot of money and work, but I am soooo ready to take my hobby to another level.

So here is what I have:
55g tank with stand, flouresent lights, a cheapo whisper filter, and a comperable heater.


If anyone has any ideas on how I should go about getting started, let me know.

Thanks,
Krystal

[Erik]

check out this site, you have alot to plan for!

New To Saltwater (http://nvreefers.org/community/articles/new_to_salt.php?PHPSESSID=8b7a01c7a5f903201b20ba8e 7ba126dd)

It should give you a very good overview of alot of things! Welcome to MAAST by the way!

[krazykdnb]

Thank you!

[Erik]

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m313/krazy kdnb/M01A0248.jpg

[mathias]

personally the number problem with saltwater is your going to want a bigger tank :)


I love the 125 layout and size it isn't to large and gives you enough space to grow with rock and coral....


you need to choose how you want to do this...

do you want predetor type fish?

just really cool looking fish with just rock


or full blown reef?


then think about the equipment that is most important...

personally I think

Lights, Skimmer, Sump, and then Calcium reactor if you do coral...

its going to be a great journy full of headaches but thats why we do it... to see our hard work pay off...


and welcome to maast...

[krazykdnb]

yea...I really would like a reef. I plan to take it slow...my budget only allows that anyway.


Should I start off with something like a nano??? and then work on my big tank?

[tony]

IMO a 55g is perfect for someone learning. nanos are great tanks but can be a challenge.

best advice you will get is read a lot and ask a lot of questions when in doubt. there are lots of very knowledgeable people on this board. and if you need something dont hesitate to ask, you would be amazed at what some members of MAAST have done for newbies here

[clone]

lots of people here will help you with what they can.I myself have received plenty of help in the past.
IMO i think the best way to go is to plan everything out.look at other peoples tanks.study how they're set ups are and add alittle something to make it your unique design,there is always room for cool exciting additions.Think of what type of coral your going want, that will help you chose your lighting.Think of what type fish your gonna want,along with your coral that will help you determine what type of skimmer you might wanna go with.I could rambel on so PLAN

[sin]

i just recently started my first saltwater also although im doing it in a 20g.i heard bigger is way easier to take care of since theres more water so it takes longer for the nitrate levels to go up or something like that (im still learning) so i decided to start with a smaller tank si u could get used to a higher upkeep.based off what little knowledge i have (also depends wich corals you plan to grow) if your gonna do anenomes or stuff like that id suggest getting some for of metal hailide.im currently in the works of buying a viper metal halide that hooks to the back of your tank since i dont have a top.but other than this like previsly stated ask questions i have been asking tons and everything exept for 1 question was answered..and that one was about my freshwater tank.

[Jeff]

clear out the gravel and add dry sand or buy live sand from someone from here. but some manmade rock from OU812PEZ and then add some live rock from either wolf reef/premium aquarics or that someone is selling on here. change the flouresent bulbs to actinics, add a maxjet1200 powerhead for movement. now sit back for a month or so as the rock and sand become bacteria laden (live) and goes through a cycle. while waiting you can plan what type of lighting to use and what type of filtration (sump,refugium, skimmer).

[mathias]

if your looking for a tank just hang out and watch the for sale section people are always selling bigger tanks for great prices..

[erikharrison]

His username is OU812PEZZ
Jeff was one Z short of a full name :)

[erikharrison]

Oh yeah, there is a PHENOMENAL deal on a 265 in the for sale thread. 500 dollars ready to roll! If I had the money I would buy it right now.

[krazykdnb]

clear out the gravel and add dry sand or buy live sand from someone from here. but some manmade rock from OU812PEZ and then add some live rock from either wolf reef/premium aquarics or that someone is selling on here. change the flouresent bulbs to actinics, add a maxjet1200 powerhead for movement. now sit back for a month or so as the rock and sand become bacteria laden (live) and goes through a cycle. while waiting you can plan what type of lighting to use and what type of filtration (sump,refugium, skimmer).
I want to make a sump out of a 10gal tank...would that be appropriate?

k

[mathias]

no 10 gal is way to small

[mathias]

main reason for a sump is to add more water volume and to add equipment to the tank that you can hide from the display...

[krazykdnb]

so more like a 29gal for a 55gal?

[Jeff]

29 gl would be good for a sump.