Newbie in need.

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Raetak

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 19, 2010
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Florida, USA
I know almost nothing about saltwater aquariums.

So what are the differences in fresh and salt?

What would be the best fish (A single species) that would be an ideal for my first fish to start with?
I will be using a 55 gallon if I follow this endeavor.


What is a list of thing I will need?

Keep everything as SIMPLE as possible. I'm kinda short on money so it needs to be as simple as possible. Does the filtration need to be different? I know it could be better but what is the bare minimum for filtration?

Also is there a good book that would answer all these questions?

Thanks for your time.
 
ok so your going to NEED
-salt
-liverock
-mechanicle filtration
-skimmer
-lights
you should have
-rodi system
-1-2 lbs of liverock per gallon
-extra salt
-sump
-extra powerheads
fish
option 1
- 1 dwarf lioinfish
option 2
-school of damsels
option 3
-gobies

* if you go with none predatory fish you will need a cuc (clean up crew ) consisting of various hermits snails stars ect
 
OOOOOMMMGGGG!!! I LOVE THIS! I'm so exited!

Keep em coming!
 
Would the Ocellaris Clownfish, Tank Bred sold by LiveAquaria be a good option for me possibly?
 
SpJc11;4835837; said:
ok so your going to NEED
-salt
-liverock
-mechanicle filtration
-skimmer
-lights
you should have
-rodi system
-1-2 lbs of liverock per gallon
-extra salt
-sump
-extra powerheads
fish
option 1
- 1 dwarf lioinfish
option 2
-school of damsels
option 3
-gobies

* if you go with none predatory fish you will need a cuc (clean up crew ) consisting of various hermits snails stars ect
Click to expand...

Skip the RODI and the need for lots of live rock. Just use declorinated tap water. For the rock, you don't NEED it, but it is highly recommended. You don't need anywhere near that much rock if you do choose to go that route. Really whatever you can afford will be good. Just make sure you have good hiding spaces, live rock or not.

On a budget, skip the sump too unless your tank is already drilled. I assume not. Just get a canister filter and a hangon skimmer(like a aqua c remora) for filtration and you will be good. Key thing here is cleaning the canister out regularly.

For a fish only system you don't need special lighting. Even if you do live rock you don't, you just won't have coralline growth on the rocks is all.

Powerheads will be necessary, get at least 2 pretty large ones(around 1,000 gph each, like koralia 4's). This will help greatly in keeping wastes suspended for removal by the skimmer and canister.

So all you need is.....salt, declorinator, 2 powerheads, skimmer(good one), and canister filter. Oh and the discipline to keep your water change schedule up, like 20% every 2 weeks.

In this setup you could keep a little assortment....
1 Yellow Tang
1 Coral Beauty
1 Goby
2 Damsels

That would be a lightly stocked tank that you should be able to maintain without too much difficulty. Those are just ideas, but give you something to work with. Just find beginner and easier fish. The Yellow Tang is the only tang I would keep in a 55 gallon, any others should have a bigger tank. Coral Beauty is also the easiest angel to keep. Damsels are the easiest fish to keep, but can get pretty aggressive.

Keep asking questions and give us your planned setup when you figure it out so we can critique and help you make it work.
 
Raetak;4836114; said:
Would the Ocellaris Clownfish, Tank Bred sold by LiveAquaria be a good option for me possibly?
Click to expand...

Yes these would be a good choice. You could keep 2 and keep a Goby and a Tang or Angel.

Oh I forgot, saltwater differs from freshwater in that you need significantly more flow and to maintain better water quality. Fish are generally not as forgiving to poor conditions as freshwater fish.
 
Well, if I wait until after this summer I will have $400+ dollars. Based on that what would you think I should get? The live rock sound like a great idea that I won't pass on. I'm willing to work a little harder to get better lighting too unless it's crazy expensive.

I like feeling like a noob for once! This makes me all fuzzy inside. lol
 
Now I heard I can use the same "hang-on" style filters I use for my fresh water aquariums on salt water aquariums. Is this true or do I need some thing fancy?
 
Ive done a saltwater tank with an hang on back, and it works. That is the only positve thing I can say about it...
 
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