How do you start?

[jesstanner]

I have been keeping freshwater fish for about 2 years now, and I would like to start a saltwater tank! I was thinking a 25-30 gallon tank with a cinnamon clownfish. I tried to do some research on how to get started, but I found myself really overwhelmed with the amount of information there is on the web! Could you guys give me some good links for a beginner in the saltwater hobby? I really don't know anything yet :/

 

[jesstanner]

I think I would like to have some coral, and then maybe eventually a bubbletip anenome? What would you recommend? I really want the cinnamon clownfish so whatever makes him happy!

 

[ErinCahir]

Hello and welcome to the site!

Anemones aren't recommended in tanks younger than a year... they need very stable parameters to do well. And clowns don't need anemones to be happy... most of the time they will find something else that will host them. Rocks, fuzzy mushrooms, powerheads, whatever strikes their fancy.

Here are some good articles to get you started
https://www.livingreefs.com/water-chemistry-t31270.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/basic-equipment-list-t19611.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/why-using-tap-water-bad-idea-t19865.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/ideal-books-reef-keepers-t19535.html

The best way to learn is hang out here and ask questions! We are more than happy to answer them!

 

[Northstar24]

+1 Erin

Welcome to the site JessTanner. I'm sure its in one of the links posted by Erin - but go out and get yourself a copy of the Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner. Read it cover to cover, then read it again. It was incredibly helpful for me when I set up my system last fall.

Also, start reading here and ask questions.

Welcome to the Reef!

 

[DAvis]

Erin has got you covered and Northstar24's recommendation of the Fenner book is sound advice. I got my copy about 2 years ago. Coincidentally, I've been keeping reef tanks for just under 2 years! I started with a 28g cube with a couple of clowns and some simple corals to keep. Now I have a 65g with 20 sump and refugium and am looking to start fragging my corals out!

Best advice is to move very slowly when starting up and do intense research. The research is almost more fun than setting up the tank.... almost! Good luck Jess! The clown sounds great!

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!

These guys have you covered! I think the best piece of advice i can give is take it slow and research everything. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby or without planning.

Especially take the time to research your fish. Many people dont realize that each fish needs a certain tank size, and if put into a smaller one they often dont do very well. Unlike freshwater fish, they are not captive breed so each fish is taken from the wild and letting die them for things that could have easily been prevented is a huge problem.

An educated reefer will be far more successful than a slap and dash one.

 

[Smitty]

Hello and welcome to the site...glad to have you. Everyone has you covered.