I have been into this hobby for about 6 months now I have learned allot so far of course I have a ton to learn I would like to share some of it with my fellow newbies. I am not going to cover stuff about cycling the tank others have done that and it is easy to find. but I want to say do it don't let the guy at the lfs say you can use this formula and cycle your tank in one day. one thing I have learned short cuts lead to problems in Saltwater to save a step here is to do three step latter on the old way is the best way. the other reason I think short cuts are bad it allows you to take a short cut use the time while the tank cycles to learn the hobby read read read.. think about what fish you want to add 1st usually a damsel or clown but keep in mind they are are aggressive fish they are from the same family. I also recommend practice going to the lfs and looking and not buying, go to lunch wait till the next day don't let the baggier tell you that a small yellow tang will be just fine in your 20 gallon because your kid saw Nemo. I have 4 books I love and read them all the time 2 I take to the fish store every time I go.
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenne. a must buy
Water Chemistry for the marine Aquarium John H. tullock
Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species
A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+
read the 1st two 1st while your tank cycles. the last two books I always take to the lfs they are a excellent guide so when the kid at the store says a Maderine will do great in you tank you can see he is wrong! learn how to read your tanks ask lots of questions there is nobody here that has not experienced what you are experiencing now almost all of us have acted on impulse, bought the wrong fish, lost fish thought about giving up at some point above all take your time enjoy your hobby. once you have a successful tank your friends will be very jealous.
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenne. a must buy
Water Chemistry for the marine Aquarium John H. tullock
Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species
A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+
read the 1st two 1st while your tank cycles. the last two books I always take to the lfs they are a excellent guide so when the kid at the store says a Maderine will do great in you tank you can see he is wrong! learn how to read your tanks ask lots of questions there is nobody here that has not experienced what you are experiencing now almost all of us have acted on impulse, bought the wrong fish, lost fish thought about giving up at some point above all take your time enjoy your hobby. once you have a successful tank your friends will be very jealous.