Experienced hobbyists---what is the ONE (or 2) things you would tell newbies...?

[Sk8r]

For me---it's watch your water quality like a hawk. Test weekly.

As you end cycling, ammonia should not be a problem again, because your cycled tank takes care of it. What you start watching closely is alkalinity...8.3 is a good number; and a numerical test for it is a good idea. I use Salifert: it's not the only. No matter what you keep, watch that number.

If it won't stay up, check your magnesium: should be about 1350 (if below 1200, raise it). And if you have stony corals or clams you also need to watch your calcium: keep it around 420.

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

No two systems are the same, but the goals of balanced water chemistry and nutrients are.

Don't buy cheap heaters!

 

[mwrobers]

Fight the speed urge...QT

 

[nereefpat]

Good advice. Testing for and maintaining water parameters is arguably the most important task in the hobby. In a lot of cases, if you take care of the water the livestock can take care of itself.

My ONE thing would be: Thoroughly research livestock selection. Eventual size, needs, and compatibility need to be known. Livestock that is either difficult to keep, gets too large, corals that take over, etc causes frustration in hobbyists and leads to death of fish.

 

[Tripod1404]

Do not rush anything.

 

[Uncle99]

Never dose what you can't test for

 

[RobZilla04]

^ x2 - Don't rush / Be patient !!!!

 

[kevin21]

Good stuff. Especially knowing exactly what you are putting into your tank. I also advise to take your time. Most mistakes happen during impulse buys at the LFS that can end badly. If you see something at the LFS, take out the phone that everyone has nowadays, and at least look it up. See what it needs. I also suggest typing in the name of the coral or fish and then adding in the words reefcentral to the search. It will give you threads from the site right off google and you can see immediate input. This goes for tank equipment as well. Know exactly what your NEEDS are first. Then your desires and what may be unnecessary.

 

[gargoylenest]

don't rush, and don't expect to keep a budget!

 

[saf1]

Know your bio type you are trying to replicate. Just because fish and coral have saltwater in common doesn't mean they can coexist.

I also tend to believe:
Patience is a must
Don't chase numbers
Reefs are not sterile

 

[Hal]

Get an auto-topoff as quickly as possible. It will be the greatest reduction in work of any device that you can add.

 

[billdogg]

1. Calm down, relax. NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS FAST!!!!!

2. although the upfront costs can be a bit intimidating, but the very best you can, the first time, and allow room for future upgrades.

 

[DreadCapn]

I'll 100th that getting an ATO (and a heater controller) should be top priorities.

And I'll give a more unusual one of: Make sure you have a Wet/dry shop vacuum (or similar).

 

[ReefkeeperZ]

1 the only thing that happens fast with a marine tank is disasters.
2 water-changes are the single most effective way of keeping your tank healthy

 

[OldReefGuy]

^+1

 

[saf1]

1 the only thing that happens fast with a marine tank is disasters.

True.

2 water-changes are the single most effective way of keeping your tank healthy

False. Search on Triton and Zeovit methods first two that come to mind (others of course).

 

[Sk8r]

And now you get to the inevitable differences of opinion on practices. I will say one thing: your salt mix (read the label) is not just salt. It's all sorts of trace minerals in proportions too tiny to try to supplement individually---this is why the water changes, to keep supplying particularly corals, but also fish, with the micro-doses of things they need for health and growth. You need to do SOMETHING to see to that over time, and the first and cheapest course is water changes.

 

[saf1]

And now you get to the inevitable differences of opinion on practices. I will say one thing: your salt mix (read the label) is not just salt. It's all sorts of trace minerals in proportions too tiny to try to supplement individually---this is why the water changes, to keep supplying particularly corals, but also fish, with the micro-doses of things they need for health and growth. You need to do SOMETHING to see to that over time, and the first and cheapest course is water changes.

Inevitable it was but disagree we do. I'm merely pointing out that it isn't necessary no more than a skimmer is. Would you like me to remove my comment?

No, perfectly fine to disagree: it's two different methods, and both work. What you keep makes certain choices better. So does economics.---sk8r

 

[rvareef]

patience and water changes!

 

[fijisrfr]

Buy cheap, buy twice!,


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