what do you need to start a salt-water aquarium?
I’ve always wanted to but never really checked into it.
I’m great with freshwater fish but lately salt-water fish have gotten to be more an more interesting, I’m looking to start a salt-water aquarium =)
To much to list here I would start by doing some more research.
Try the following forums reefcentral.com and 3reef.com
November 27th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I started my first saltwater tank over the weekend
check out my blog… http://www.8gallonreeftank.blogspot.com
Things I’ve recently purchased…
I opted for an Oceanic Biocube (over a standard tank) because it has an amazing built in filtration system, lights, and sleek design. It’s a great all in one system
- saltwater from my local fish store (I only have 8 gallons so it was 8 bucks)
- Aragalive live sand
- live rock
- hydrometer to check salinity levels
- master test kit to check the water’s ph, nitrates/nitrites, etc…. after the tank has cycled for a week or so.
it’s a really fun hobby
good luck with yours!
References :
also check out livingreefs.com
it’s a great saltwater forum
November 5th, 2009 at 3:26 pmThis isn’t a good place to learn about something like that, unfortunately.
I highly recommend this forum if you’re looking to get started and need some help:
http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=c7f6e5fd4acae11289965152a47fce45&
I also suggest buying books on the subject or just reading online as much as you can. You could even pick up "Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies" off Amazon for about $10 (Don’t be offended! I’d pick it up myself if I was getting started on Saltwater).
Some places to start reading:
http://faq.thekrib.com/sbegin-longterm.html
Good luck!
November 5th, 2009 at 3:43 pmReferences :
huge tank is better, but a small tank is still usable
November 5th, 2009 at 4:01 pmlive rock(optional)
sand
marine salt
water test kits
heater
filters
sump
air pump accesories
thermometer
bottle of ammonia
hydrometer
buy a saltwater tank, as it has the appropiate lightning already
References :
really before starting a saltwater tank you should really read up on them this is my favorit book its been the most helpful
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Marine-Aquarium/dp/1571457623
when starting a saltwater tank it is pricey b/c bigger is better….nano tanks of 10 and 20 gallons are not near as easy as with freshwater…it is recommend you start with 55 or larger tank..and the tanks can not be stocked like freshwater….
saying that you will need items and you need to say the kind of tank….
for a fish and Select invert only you will need
tank
decent lighting
really good filter
live rock 50-60+lb for a 55
live sand
hydrometer
marin salt
and a test kit
and it is recommend that you get a protein skimmer
if you want coral then you need a few more updates
much better lighting using CFL, MH, or T5
and you will need a protein skimmer
if you have any more question feel free to ask or email me
November 5th, 2009 at 4:26 pmReferences :
To much to list here I would start by doing some more research.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:14 pmTry the following forums reefcentral.com and 3reef.com
References :