firstly i'd like to say hi to everyone and any help/advice i receive is much appreciated.

I'm not a 'fish keeper' as of yet but i am very interested in becoming one. it may seem a bit naive but i would like to jump straight in at the deep end and start with tropical marine fish, the one species that really catches my eye are common clownfish, aka Amphiprion ocellaris. i visited my LFS today and i couldnt take my eyes off them, they seem so energetic.
Anyway, what i would like to know is, is what im planning to buy sufficient for a couple of these wonderful fish plus a few other colourful marine fish (open to suggestions).

im planning on buying a Fuval roma 125 aquarium. im starting off with a big tank because ive heard that the larger the volume the less sensitive the water is to change. im also thinking of getting a teratech 700 external filter to go with the tank.

ive read of the need for protein filters and so on so i would be greatful for any recommendations.

thanks for taking the time to read me post and let me take the opportunity to thank you in advance for your replies.

My first bit of advise would be to read and research like crazy. A commen mistake of new comers to marine (or any fish keeping) is that they dont take the time to read an expect to learn along the way. So i recomend you look at sites on the net and buy some good books.

Well, I'm relatively new to marine too (7months now), however... I also have clownfish - they're always active, and never hide! I also have a bi-colour blenny which I would recommend - he hides in is hole in the live rock, but you can always see his head popping out,a nd he always comes out for food - nice and colourful!

As for getting a large tank - definately a good idea - you'll only want to upgrade if not!

Good luck with it all

Laura

Thanks for the replies guys, im going down to my LFS today to get some advice and price it all up. any further comments are welcome though

to the forum!! I'm also considering going marine....trying to plan it all is time consuming But I've read that more time spent reading/researching will greatly pay off by the time things get set up.

Don't always take everything your LFS says as 100% truth. There are some good fish stores out there, but unless you know what you're dealing w/as far as fish species and equipment don't take anything they say as truth. I'd take along a little notepad and tell them you're researching before jumping into buying anything and write down their advice given. Then double check it by doing your own research or asking on here. If they do a damn good job then I'd go back and thank them for the previous advice and buy stuff from them when you're ready to start piecing it together.

Amen to that KJ. It's too bad, but many LFS' are businesses first and givers of advice second. If you do find one that gives out good advice, stick with it, they'll treat you well