marine set up

[leviowen2003]

hi, i have just decided to start reefkeeping i currently have tropical fish!!
i dont know were to start!! what equipment will i need for a 4ft tank?? please can some one help

 

[mmkeeper]

Lots of research. Ask alot of questions here. First you need to decide if you want a fowler or reef tank. A word of advice, go very slow or you will kill alot of livestock and your wallet.

 

[leviowen2003]

i would like a reef tank with live coral ect..
i have been reading alot on the internet but still unsure what equipment i will need!! i have just bought a skimmer and a powerhead not sure what else i will need!! i have just bought some books off ebay so i am just waiting for them to come!! im not in a rush to get it set up as i want to do it properly!!

 

[returnofsid]

Read "The Conscientious Reef Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. It's a great book. I recommend checking books out at the library but this is one you'll definitely want to own. Read some of the great stickies here on RF about starting out. Some of the basic equipment you'll want to consider is a good skimmer (one rated for 1.5-2 times your tank size), correct lighting for your tank's needs and LOTS of flow. I did the same thing you are. I went from 20 years of FW to a SW reef tank. I had 4 FW tanks. Now I have 1 FW planted tank and 2 much larger SW reef tanks. Wish I had room for more...lol.

Depending on what type of corals you want to keep, and if you want anemones or clams...that will determine your lighting needs.

Compact Fluorescents will be adequate for keeping soft corals and some of the less light demanding LPS corals. If you want to keep SPS, Anemone or Clams, you'll need to go with T5HO or MH lighting.

I'll re-iterate what's already been said, and it seems you do understand it. Go slow!! I mean....CRAWL!!! It's an expensive hobby to start out in...but very enjoyable.

The 2 largest investments will be your lighting and Live Rock. Aim for 1-1 1/2 pounds per gallon. The more the better!!

 

[preons]

Ill give you advice I wish that I had gotten when first starting out. Find someone near by who has a really nice reef tank and become friends with them. This will help your livestock and your wallet.

josh

 

[DonW]

I'd definately stop buyin equipment until you have plan and a budget set. Ive given away more bad choices than I care to admit and have plenty more just collecting dust.

Don

 

[trido]

I'd definately stop buyin equipment until you have plan and a budget set. Ive given away more bad choices than I care to admit and have plenty more just collecting dust.

Don

Ditto to this statement

Read read read. Then ask a few questions and read some more.

 

[returnofsid]

LOL I've got UV Sterilizers, pumps, filters and assorted chemicals and cleaning stuff collecting dust. Great point Don!!

 

[OmarD]

This might help...

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00


(© Fair Use Doctrine of International Copyright Law ©)

​

You are off on a great adventure! ---- read as much as you can and invest $$$ only when you are pretty sure where you are headed.

Lots of good advice to be had here!

 

[leviowen2003]

thank you all for being so kind with the infomation!! i am going to pop to my local libery today!! i would like to keep clown fish and similer i have bought a brand new 4ft tank and just getting bits when i can i dont really have a budget to what i want to spend so that why in getting bits when i can!! they can be quite expensive and i have 3 young children so it will take me a while to get it fully up and running!! again thank you for your help!! bnatalie

 

[returnofsid]

I'd suggest that if you to piece it together as you're able to afford to, that you start by purchasing your live rock and a good skimmer. Afterwards, the next purchase should be your lighting. You can do NO fluorescent lighting for just fish. You will have to upgrade your lighting before going for corals, anemones or clams though.

You can also save a lot of money by purchasing base rock instead of ALL live rock. You can also save money by purchasing non cured rock. The curing process will take a bit longer and can sometimes be pretty smelly...lol. However, it's A LOT cheaper. If you do go the base rock route, I'd suggest getting 1/2 base rock and 1/2 live rock. The base rock will eventually turn to live rock just fine. I wouldn't skimp on a skimmer either. It could be the best or worst investment you make.

You've mentioned, twice, a 4 foot tank. Can you be more specific? It may help in determining your equipment needs. Is this a 55, 75 or 90 gallon tank? It'll make a big difference with your amount of live rock, your skimmer and eventually make a difference in your lighting as well.

 

[Reefergeorge]

Agree with lots of reading. I had 4 books and a year of reading before I set up my first nano, and have only lost livestock to bad husbandry(or bully fish). It's not that hard if you willing to do reserch before you buy, and keep the impulse buys to a minimum. And as anyone hear will probally tell you be ready to upgrade. Its addictive.

 

[drummereef]

I suggest putting together a detailed list of the fish/corals you want to keep. That's the hard part, imo. The easy part is coming up with the equipment to support them.