How do you go about starting up a saltwater aquarium?

[wills40litreaqu]

I have just got a freshwater aquarium and I am fascinated by it 8O . However I would really like to know the basics of how to set up and maintain a saltwater aquarium well. Could someone please tell me (around a 40 gallon one)

 

[loganj]

starting a SW tank

There isn't room here to really get into all the things you need to start up a SW tank. A few things you will need to decide...what do you want to keep? Do you want a FO (fish only), a FOwLR (fish only with live rock), or a reef? Before you rush out to get a tank, read, research, read, and research some more. Ask us anything you have any doubts about. Plan everything you will do ahead of time...filtration, lighting, livestock, ect... Be prepared to take your time and have LOTS of patience. It has been said many times that nothing good happens quickly in a SW tank...very true. Check out these links also.
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=101
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=17
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=45
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=9
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=20
Once you decide what kind of tank you would like to start, we can answer the questions better. There are lots of different ways to do a SW tank. Basically, the trend now is 1-1 1/2 lbs of LR per gallon and a sand bed depth of about 4 inches. Some people advocate protien skimming and some do not. You can have a successful tank either way. Hope this helps get you started. Don't hesitate to post any questions you might have.
Logan J

 

[Bang Guy]

You're already doing the first and most important step. Gathering Information.

I strongly recommend buying and memorizing The Conscientious Marine Aquarist and/or Natural Reef Aquariums.

 

[vermonter310]

Hi Will,

I'm in the process of planning for my first marine tank, Been reading and researching for about a month now and I feel I still have much to learn. I am trying to do this right the first time and probably wont really get started until January. My plans have changed several times since I started doing the research and may change again before it's all said and done( funny....the tank size always gets bigger ) There are a great bunch of guys and gals here that have helped me tremendously already and i'll be looking to with future questions. you have found a great starting place.

VT

 

[michealprater]

I believe the book "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Palletta is the best book for beginners. It got me started. I swear by it. If someone asks me how to get in to saltwater. I tell them I will help, but they have to read that book first.

 

[fishfreek]

That was my first book also. Its like $15 or less on amazon.com

Of course if you do buy the book from amazon I ask that you use the link in the suggested readings list as that will give the website a small (very small) % of the sale.

I believe the book "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Palletta is the best book for beginners. It got me started. I swear by it. If someone asks me how to get in to saltwater. I tell them I will help, but they have to read that book first.