Salt Water Tank

[vulpina]

Well, at the request of my 2 daughters and wife I'm going to start a Salt Water tank, they think the fish are prettier. (They are actually IMO.) I have had almost 20 years experience with freshwater tanks but have never done a saltwater. I think I'm going to go with a 125or 150 gallon tank, I was wondering if anyone would lend me some info on their experiences with saltwater tanks. I know the girls love dog-faced puffers and lion fish, I know lion fish eat anything small enough to swallow, but any info on other types of fish/inverts to get is appreciated. My youngest daughter wants a "nemo", so it looks like a clown fish and anemone are in order. Thanks for any info. I have been reading up on salt water fish in TFH and some other books.

Andy

 

[genious_gr]

I've allways dreamed of a salt-water aquarium with an octopus. Wouldnt that be cool?? Theu say they're very-very clever....

 

[xanadu1015]

My husband wants to have a salt water tank as well, so if any advice is given you can bet I'll be writing it down lol. I've also heard that a salt water tank is actually easier to take care of then a freshwater, is this true?



Laura

 

[Bob]

If you are going with that big of a tank be prepaired to spend about $2500.00 to do it right. I did salt water for about 10 years..................very expensive and finally quit due to the high cost.

 

[Jeff_C]

ooo....i have been doing major research on this and I am in the very beginning stages of a setup of my own. I recommend some major lurking on www.reefcentral.com. If that doesnt scare you away then let's share notes


Actually, check out my thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=337387

and let me know what you think.

Jeff

 

[xanadu1015]

That reefcentral has saltwater tank info right?


I'll probably save in my favorites folder.




Laura

 

[TheWidowsPeak]

puffers and lionfish probably can't be kept together... im not saying its impossible but the fuffers will probably nip at the lions fins eventually killing it of stress. and the more money you spend on equipment the less youll spend on replacing fish. you don't have to buy the highest priced stuff but as long as you have a good setup with a wet dry filter and maybe a uv sterilizer you should be doing ok. I would recomend a very large tank as most species need lots of room.

 

[Deliverme314]

Originally posted by Bob
If you are going with that big of a tank be prepaired to spend about $2500.00 to do it right. I did salt water for about 10 years..................very expensive and finally quit due to the high cost.

If he wants to do a reef 2500 aint gonna touch it.

As far as advice goes... that a little hard to say... The good news about saltwater is that unlike fresh, all your fishies have the same needs as far as PH, GH, KH and temp for the most part. Really... I would say go lurk over at aquariumadvice.com or fishprofiles.com etc. I post at both of those. I keep planted freshwater but am studying up for a reef tank as well.

 

[Jeff_C]

Hey, I'll share my expense sheet once I am done with my "26 gallon*" Reef tank.


Jeff


*26 gallon display tank with 150 gallon sump/fuge.