new to saltwater, need help please.

[DrunKen~MonKey]

hi, i have been wanting to set up a sw tank for a while now and since my b-day is coming up soon i will hopefully have the money to set it up.

since i am completley new to sw this is what i want to know.

• what is a good size tank for a begginer, nothing too expensive and easy to maintain? (i have 3 spare tanks a 12g, 24g and a 33g will any of these work?)
• what is the best type of filtration? (again nothing too expensive)
• do i need a protein skimmer or does that depend on what kind of filtration i use?
• do i need any special lighting compared to fw?
• what are some good hardy community fish?
• what other equipment will i need?

i think thats it for now THANKS in advance.

 

[DrunKen~MonKey]

i have just seen the genral salt section, so if this belongs there i am sorry and can any moderators please move it.

thanks.

 

[hayden]

i would use the 33 gallon tank. all of your other questions are to vage

 

[DrunKen~MonKey]

all of your other questions are to vage

sorry but the reason my questions a vauge is because i am new to sw.

i will try to be a bit more specific.

for the filtration i mean what type is good e.g berlins style, Jaubert/Monaco-Style, undergravel filter, Wet-Dry/Trickle Filtration or ecosystem filtration.

and for lighting, what kind of bulb do i use e.g. normal fw fluorescent tube, metal halide.

also i would like to know what is a good hardy begginer fish that can happily live with others.

hope this helps you answer my questions.

THANKS.

 

[hayden]

if you dont want corals plain fw lights are fine i think

filtration, what ever you want really but i like berlin sumps.

damsels are pretty damn hard to kill but they are aggressive tworde new fish in the tank.

 

[DrunKen~MonKey]

ok thanks.

 

[jimk]

Your 33 gallon should be perfect for saltwater. Live rock/live sand is the best way to go for your primary filtration. With a small protein skimmer(maybe something like a skilter) that should be all the filtration you need. You might be able to get away with regular lighting, but the rock will perform much better if you upgrade to saltwater lighting. Damsels are hardy fish but something you might regret down the road. Perhaps cycle the tank with false percula clown(tank raised) in a group of 3. Down the line you could add firefish, small wrasses, gobies. Also, don't forget hermit crabs and snails as a part of your cleanup crew. All of this is really basic and you should be able to find a lot more detailed info.

 

[DrunKen~MonKey]

thanks jimk, how much live rock do you recomend and what depth substrate will be needed?

thanks.

 

[DrunKen~MonKey]

also why might i regret getting damsels?

 

[Pufferpunk]

Damselfish are very mean bullies. Also very difficult to catch. If you keep them, don't plan to ever keep any other fish in there.

s\kilters are junk--the worst skimmers out there. For a 30g, I'd go with a Backpac. You won't be sorry. I have one on a 15g & also a 40g. You should have 1 1/2-2lbs live rock/g. Add the sand & LR & let the tank cycle. Here is a site where you can start reading:
http://kb.marinedepot.com/default~cNode~4O3V2M.aspx