New To Saltwater

[LIflynn]

Hi everyone, im new to saltwater fish keeping. I apologize in advance if this is the wrong area to post but i currently have a 55 gallon tank and would like to get it started but i have no idea what im doing. Do most fish require the same salinity and would you say its very hard to start up a saltwater tank. I love wrasses and i wanted a puffer and a couple clowns but im afraid to get coral because they seem very hard to take care of. Is there any advise you can give for a newbie thanks its very appreciated.

 

[ozzie2011]

Hi welcome to the salty side

You can start a journal, link is on the main section at the top. here is a lik for you http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/forum/105-marine-aquarium-journals/

By doing the journal you can tell us what equipment and what steps you have already taken and then people can offer help and suggestions and answer all the questions you have

 

[seffieuk]

to the salty side of the forum - would love to hear all about you and your tank

Seffie x

 

[nkd5024]

Welcome!

My advice is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, and more RESEARCH and also, TAKE YOUR TIME when you decide to set it up.

I rushed into things like everyone else when I first got into the hobby and unfortunately I learned those lessons on my own, instead of listening.

Yes, the majority of fish/invert/coral species in the trade require the same salinity. (1.024-1.027)
There are many books on reef aquariums that explain all the different products (skimmers, lighting, RO units, etc) as well as different water parameters(Alk, ammonia, nitrate, pH, etc)
I would recommend The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner, it is a little pricey but I think it is well worth the price.
If you don't want to spend the money on a book you can find any information you need on the internet.

To answer your question; if it is hard to setup a saltwater aquarium.
It is not hard to set one up, especially if have kept Cichlids or Discus before.
It does require a lot of work and knowledge to have a thriving reef aquarium.

Some of the more basic soft corals are actually just as easy to keep IMO as Clowns and other starter fishes.

Don't be afraid to ask any questions that you can't find the answers too!

Good Luck,
Nick

 

[MarineLover]

this side of the forum is where i started when i was planning on switching to salt water fish and setup my first salt water tank. all info needed were provided. you are on good hands.