Getting Started

[thomasdaniellewis]

Hi guys...I have recently decided that I want to start a saltwater tank...I'm thinking a 75 gallon, and I would love to have a red lionfish... I know nothing about how to even get started, and definitely do not want to just start buying things...I'm willing to take the time to gather information, figure out the best way to do things, and do it right...
Where can I find information on how to get started, how to set-up a tank, and what kinds of other fish I can keep with a red lionfish? Any information, links etc... would be greatly appreciated...

 

[CHOMPERS]

Welcome to MFK!

This site is mostly freshwater fish, but there is a marine section farther down on the forum list. It doesn't get much traffic though. You can get more information at reefcentral.com however that may seem overwhelming when you get there.

Basically, you will want to look for a wet/dry sump that is adaptable for a protien skimmer. You can also use a 'hang on back' or HOB skimmer. The best one I have used was a Sea Clone 100. I have seen a lot of unhappy users but it seems that they were unwilling to learn how to adjust it.

Look for a tank that is already drilled and preferably with internal overflows. If you can't find one, you can also use a HOB overflow.

Water chemistry is different too. Pretty much you will need both a freshwater/saltwater master test kit and a reef test kit. Water chemistry goes way beyond what you can test for. With the master test kits and reef kits, you can't even test for the four major ions let alone the trace elements. You can buy individual test kits, but for a fish only set up it really isn't necessary.