Books? (1 Viewer)

[Avriel]

Hello all, new here. I'm trying to get my feet wet with the saltwater side of things. Did the freshwater deal and I'm kind of bored with it. I always want to be doing something more with it, when it doesn't need the upkeep, so I want a challenge. I've been reading on here as much as I can, and I'm really not getting a full idea of how I should go about things, which makes sense since each tank is different and blah blah blah.

So I was wondering if there were any books out there that take the huge amount of information out there, and put it into a somewhat cohesive whole that a newbie to the realm of saltwater aquaria can use? The really big question I have is the whole filtration/sump/protein skimmer/etc. Where do I start? I don't mind DIY, FYI.

Here's where I would like to start:
-A 10-20 gallon tank (where is a good place to get the square, rimless kind?)
-A sand bottom
-the little hermit crabs as a cleanup crew, and some shrimp
-I would like mostly photosynthetic corals so i don't have to worry about feeding them or if i'm gone, someone else screwing the feeding up.
-Maybe an anemone that would go with:
-A small clownfish
-A small blue tang

So overall, a mostly coral tank, but I would like some life that other people will recognize as creatures too. I realize this is specific, but I think the more specific the better, when asking on a forum like this. Then as I get more experience I can start experimenting.

So any help I can get would be fabulous. Also, if I could get a PM about the meetings and what they're all about, that would be amazing!

Thanks for any help!
-Tyler

 

[Fishmonger70]

Hi, welcome to the forum. A lot of information here and on the internet in general but there are some good books out there as well for beginners. Two books that I personally recommend are:
Natural Reef Aquariums by John H.Tullock
and
The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta

I have both of these books and refer to them often.

As far as setting up your tank, research, research, and more research. Take your time, don't rush things, and you will save yourself alot of headaches down the road. If you're only going to start with a 10 or 20 gallon, I would not get a Tang of any kind. Tangs need their swimming space and will get stressed out in a tank that size. There are alot of fish you can do in a tank that small, but don't overload. I would only recommend two fish. Something like a pair of clowns, or some cards.

Anyway, good luck with your new adventure into saltwater and son't be affraid to ask questions if you need to.

 

[montiporalova]

Welcome. If you have the funds I would start with a 55 it makes things easier a little less water changes etc.fell free to come by check out my systems 120 and my 40 frag tank
And then you can get an idea on what tybif set up you need.
Pete.

 

[Thle009]

I have some book that you can have for fairly cheap. I can send you info once I'm home later this afternoon, if interested.

 

[mrbeachbum2]

I know in Fargo,ND they were having the dollar per gallon sale. If that's around now, I'd seriously consider getting a 40B tank. Figure out if you want a sump below the tank too.

 

[Merkurfan]

Welcome! Someone left a pile of books at my shop to give to people. I forget what the titles are but your welcome to stop by and grab them.

Also, I'd suggest a 40B as well. much nicer shape for a reef tank.

 

[Avriel]

Hi, welcome to the forum. A lot of information here and on the internet in general but there are some good books out there as well for beginners. Two books that I personally recommend are:
Natural Reef Aquariums by John H.Tullock
and
The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta

I have both of these books and refer to them often.

As far as setting up your tank, research, research, and more research. Take your time, don't rush things, and you will save yourself alot of headaches down the road. If you're only going to start with a 10 or 20 gallon, I would not get a Tang of any kind. Tangs need their swimming space and will get stressed out in a tank that size. There are alot of fish you can do in a tank that small, but don't overload. I would only recommend two fish. Something like a pair of clowns, or some cards.

Anyway, good luck with your new adventure into saltwater and son't be affraid to ask questions if you need to.

So when i see the tangs in the small tanks at the pet store, i'm seeing not appropriate lodging? That was why i asked, when i see them do it at the pet store, i figure i can do it. I have the desire to do a nemo and a dori, the children that come through would freaking die when they saw it, so yeah. Thanks for the recommendations on the books!

As for everyone else, i'll look into the 40B tank. Space is an issue, that's why i was looking at the smaller tanks. I will be going very slow as i do this, which is practically painful. I'm one of those who love to get the ball rolling right away. I'm thinking i may end up making my own tank...and probably LED lighting system as well. I love me some LED's.

 

[mrbeachbum2]

So when i see the tangs in the small tanks at the pet store, i'm seeing not appropriate lodging? That was why i asked, when i see them do it at the pet store, i figure i can do it. I have the desire to do a nemo and a dori, the children that come through would freaking die when they saw it, so yeah. Thanks for the recommendations on the books!

As for everyone else, i'll look into the 40B tank. Space is an issue, that's why i was looking at the smaller tanks. I will be going very slow as i do this, which is practically painful. I'm one of those who love to get the ball rolling right away. I'm thinking i may end up making my own tank...and probably LED lighting system as well. I love me some LED's.

The tangs in the store are held there temporarily. They grow fast. If you keep them in a smaller environment, in my experience, they will develop diseases that can easily kill all your other fish.

In saltwater, bigger is better. The more water volume you have, the easier it's to keep a constant temperature, pH, etc. If you can afford the room, I'd recommend a larger tank along with a reef keeper lite (or any controller). Those have been the best investments for providing a constant environment.

 

[Avriel]

The tangs in the store are held there temporarily. They grow fast. If you keep them in a smaller environment, in my experience, they will develop diseases that can easily kill all your other fish.

In saltwater, bigger is better. The more water volume you have, the easier it's to keep a constant temperature, pH, etc. If you can afford the room, I'd recommend a larger tank along with a reef keeper lite (or any controller). Those have been the best investments for providing a constant environment.

So went to the website and looked at that controller. Is it essentially something that just electronically does everything I would normally do myself? Like turning lights on and off, testing pH, temp, etc? Or does it adjust them when they go off of where they are supposed to be? While I do have a decent amount of money available for this, I am still at the age where saving an extra 300 bucks is very beneficial. The LED lighting is going to be my big splurge.

Down the road that could be something but if all it does is measure the things I can measure on my own, I'll wait.

 

[mrbeachbum2]

So went to the website and looked at that controller. Is it essentially something that just electronically does everything I would normally do myself? Like turning lights on and off, testing pH, temp, etc? Or does it adjust them when they go off of where they are supposed to be? While I do have a decent amount of money available for this, I am still at the age where saving an extra 300 bucks is very beneficial. The LED lighting is going to be my big splurge.

Down the road that could be something but if all it does is measure the things I can measure on my own, I'll wait.

You can get a reek keeper light for $100. I use mine for the temperature regulation mainly. Some heaters are known to stick on, and with out a controller, the high temperature would over heat the tank. I have my controller to shut off my lights if the tank hits a certain temperature (82F), and it has in the summer. I also use it to turn fans on I have over the tank once the tank temperature is 79F. I figure $100 dollars is relatively cheap because it'd cost me more than that to replace my two tangs!

 

[Fishmonger70]

A controller is a wise investment. If your heater ever malfunctions it will save you a lot of money and headache.

 

[Avriel]

You can get a reek keeper light for $100. I use mine for the temperature regulation mainly. Some heaters are known to stick on, and with out a controller, the high temperature would over heat the tank. I have my controller to shut off my lights if the tank hits a certain temperature (82F), and it has in the summer. I also use it to turn fans on I have over the tank once the tank temperature is 79F. I figure $100 dollars is relatively cheap because it'd cost me more than that to replace my two tangs!

Very true, something I should consider. Thanks for all the help everyone! It's nice having a forum and group of people right in town around me that can help! Anyone have some little pieces of wisdom that they feel is the golden rule with saltwater aquariums?

 

[Mike Bennett]

My 3 golden rules are
1. go slow and be patient, nothing good happens quickly in this hobby.
2. don't impulse buy. Make sure you have the money and the means to care for whatever you buy and the knowledge to do it correctly.
3. Start with quality equipment. It makes the hobby easier and you don't waste money later upgrading.

 

[Fishmonger70]

+1 to what Mike said.