My First marine tank

[Mark_Lide]

Just a little background on me. I am new to saltwater not aquariums. I currently have a 125gal Mbuna Cichlid tank that has been up and running for a while. I just upgraded from a 75gal, but that is another story all together.

Well it's about time for me to start my first marine tank. I have been wanting to start one for a while now and the wife and I are in agreement to start one(Had to get approval from the boss first). I found a very nice tank on Craig's list a few weeks ago for $150 with some lights, so I jumped on that and when I was talking to the guy he had lots of other equipment that goes with the tank that I will be picking up tomorrow for an extra $100. The complete set up is a 40 gallon custom tank( I believe it to be closer to 50), T5 HO lights, 4 power heads, an Aqua C Remora skimmer with surface skimmer attachment, and some other misc stuff. Here are some pictures of the tank. I will be using TBS for my live rock because of all the good things I've been reading about them. Not sure as to what fish I will be stocking. I know for sure I would like to have a pair of clowns but not sure what else. Any help or info would be great.

Thanks
Mark

 

[daplatapus]

Best advice that can be given are as follows:
1) Read each and every sticky at the top of the "New to the hobby" section.
2) Have lots of patience
3) Potentially have even more money
4) Ask a ton of questions, regardless of how stupid you think it might be, BEFORE you do something, and not looking for confirmation of what you've just done after the fact (from personal experience)

I know that doesn't sound all sexy or anything but it'll save you tons of grief and money. There are great people here who want to see you succeed and the creatures in your charge thrive. Many of these are the ones who have written the stickies and will answer your questions. Especially pay attention to those members whose posts number in the thousands (look under their member names on the left) they have obviously been here a while and seen a thing or two.
Hope that helps

 

[Mark_Lide]

Thanks, I'll +1 on the research part been at that part for a while.

 

[Dustin1300]

Welcome to the addiction. +1 on platupus's advice as research will save you lots of money and risk of giving up on the hobby. The difference between freshwater and saltwater is huge and a reef is not exactly bullet proof.

Once you've read all the stickies start sharing your ideas with everyone and I'd plan for having a sump to hide all the equipment and keep it out of the DT!

 

[TheBass]

Research water quality, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates levels and understand it takes a long time before you can even put fish in it. That's my two cents.

 

[wonslung]

I'd read as much as possible. I spent 3-4 months reading up on it before i jumped in. I'd also try to find a local reef club if possible. I have one in my state that is just fantastic and it's been a huge wealth of information and help. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you dont know something, and also know that you will make some mistakes.

The biggest thing i'd say is: Don't expect the sales people at a local fish store to be experts. I've gotten lots of bad advice from LFS sales people. If you can find a local reef club you can probably make friends with someone who is willing to go with you to the store and help you out. If not, don't buy anything without researching it.

 

[Mark_Lide]

Thanks for all the advice. I went to pick up the other equipment yesterday and got more than I was expecting. two Maxi Jet 900, two aquaclear powerheads, a Coral Life turbo twist UV unit, and the Aqua C Remora with the Rio 1400 pump and surface skimmer attachment. I got way more than $100 worth. I should be able to start set up with in a month. Still working on the bar where the tank will sit. Thanks again.

 

[Mark_Lide]

Well I've had to put everything on hold for quite some time. I just recently started organizing everything again and have just about set it all up.when I get home from my two week National Guard training I will be going to the store to pick up my odds and ends to get her up and running. Pics so far

 

[Mark_Lide]

 

[Mark_Lide]

Well she's finally up and running. I have two clowns and one six line wrasse along with a health CUC.