Questions Questions Questions

[reefnoob019]

Would it be beneficial to start with Mbuna Cichlids because of their pH need of around 8.2 instead of going right into saltwater. I have been debating this for a couple of days and I cant seem to put my heart into those cichlids, I have kept multiple freshwater fish but I find their color boring and there is no feeling of satisfaction when your corals grow and come out to find and show vibrant colors and such like that.

Does anyone know where to find some good information of corals for beginners? Websites, Books, Etc.

What size tank would be a good start point? 90 gal or go with a 29 gal. biocube?

Sorry about all the questions and concerns, thanks for looking and any responses to come

 

[jennm]

There are many differences between FW with a higher pH and saltwater/reef. Basic water chemistry insofar as ammonia/nitrite/nitrate the "rules" are very similar, so if you've been successful with freshwater, there's no reason you wouldn't be successful with salt if you take your time, do your research and use common sense. You should already have an understanding of how tanks "work".

That being said - 90 or biocube? You could do either - they would be different from one another. What is it that you are interested in keeping? Frequently someone new to the hobby saw X in a tank somewhere and decided they'd like to keep one. That variable of what strikes your fancy will have an influence on your choice of starter tanks. So will budget and a myriad of other variables.

Tell us more about what it is you'd like to accomplish, and perhaps we can help you make some choices.

Welcome to the addiction... er, lifestyle....er, hobby

Jenn

 

[looters]

As Jenn said it is all up to you. However I started small with a biocube then went to the big tank after running the small one for a while, also remember budget has to have a play in there somewhere.

 

[reefnoob019]

Well budget is defiantly nice! I wanna keep it small!! Also I know I wanna keep some zoas, mushrooms, and an anemone for one or two clowns but I dont know the type/water chemistry or if there would be a water war or anything like that I am pretty much starting from scratch Im going to be a college student so I dont have money really haha Thanks for replying to my thread guys It means alot!

 

[seth the wine guy]

Jenn is a great resource here on ARC. Visit her, talk, and look at things you think you like or want. She will steer you in the right direction.
IMO Bigger is easier. The more water volume you have to absorb errors the better. Think of what would happen if you poured a gallon of bleach into your bathtub vs your swimming pool. You would probably have a really bad rash if not burns in the tub.
My first ever reef tank was in 1994. It was a 10g nano before there really was such a thing. High maintenance to say the least and one little mistake was devastating. I didn't lose a coral for my first year but it took a lot of work.

 

[reefnoob019]

Seth: that was a great analogy ill keep that in mind!!
Jenn: Where is your store located in respects to buckhead, ill be in the area and would like to come visit

 

[jennm]

I'm in Canton - a bit of a hike from Buckhead... and Flowery Branch (which it says on your profile)...

Jenn

 

[reefnoob019]

Well that stinks maybe ill make the trip up there one day when the gas goes down! Anything you recommend I look into before then?

 

[smallblock]

good thead here just to look over

 

[reefnoob019]

Thank you for that thread! It was very informational lol I have been checking this book out: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marine-aquarium-handbook-martin-a-moe/1016374442">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marine-aquarium-handbook-martin-a-moe/1016374442</a>

The newest model though is this a good one to get?

 

[jennm]

Yes, you'd want the newest version of that. And/or The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner.

You can find both locally too

Jenn

 

[reefnoob019]

Thanks so much Ill pick them up from Petsmart probably!

 

[reefnoob019]

Ok so im looking to purchase a 55 gallon as my starting tank, looking for an overflow box and it be drilled so yeah I think this is a good place to start
1)wont be too expensive for buying new salt for water changes
2)will be able to customize it and have some lean way for failures
3) livestock being put into it will be cheaper than say a lionfish
4)Lighting wont be as much as a huge tank

but it will still will be awesome and a good start any suggestions?

 

[smallblock]

I would go ahead and get a Reef ready 55 gallon. and a 20 long for a sump, not drilled.

Go for a 4 bulb T-5 unit if you plan on keeping coral, cheaper to run and less heat. You will find that heat will be a big enemy. Power compacts will be good if you plan on just keeping fish.

Start small and slow with the livestock, maybe a few chromis but no damsels.

Be prepared to get some decent powerheads for water movement, korilias or if you have the money some vortechs.

Salt I use Salinity it has excellent levels of calcium, Alk and Magnesium. The buckets are more expensive but they make more gallons than the others so the price differance works out equally. If your not going to keep coral then Instant Ocean will be fine.

You will need a skimmer as well.

 

[jennm]

If I may make a suggestion...

Consider either a 65g (36x18x24) or a 75g (48x18x21) rather than the 55. Reason being, the 12" front to back of a 55 is very short on real estate for aquascaping, and less surface area on the top for gas exchange.

It's a few bucks more for tank/stand but the peripheral equipment will be pretty much similar and you'll have a lot more usable space.

I had a 55 (20-something years ago).. still have it but it's dry now... but I hated that I ran out of room to arrange rock in any other way than a solid wall up the back.

The 18" depth on the ones I suggested will give you a lot more room to play.

Jenn

 

[smallblock]

I would agree with Jenn a 65 is very cool and pretty large. I do think you will enjoy it better.

 

[reefnoob019]

Sweet thanks guys for the fast response! I will probably go with Salinity for the Salt sounds like a good brand. This is my plan for the process, go buy the books (beginner to breeder and 101 best marine fish) buy the tank I would love to go with a 75 gallon tank but ill have to save up from then and go from there!! I wanna have 2 powerheads for current one on each side and put them at different angles so there is a different current maybe put them on timers so they come on at different times..

Sound good? Any addition info?

 

[snowmansnow]

Just move slow and youll be fine.

If possible I would START with a reef ready system.. meaning it is drilled for an overflow and return. That way you can run a sump with all the benefits.

As far as Salinity goes... I've seen several threads lately with ppl that seem to have issues with it.... Salinity is really new compared to Instant Ocean and Seachem brands. Personally I use Seachem Reef Salt. Folks will debate all day which brand is best.

I also agree with Blockhead on the T5.. 4 or 6 lamp will be enough for what you want assuming you get a decent fixture. I have a 7 lamp fixture over my SPS tank, and I having found ANYTHING I can't grow like a weed.

Also, if you decide to go with a skimmer get a decent one out of the gate. You can spend whatever you want to on one, but I would THINK You can get what you'll need to start out with for a few hundred.

ALSO, check the for sale threads on this forum. Theres no sense buying all new stuff if someone is letting something go that is gently preowned.

Good luck!!!

B