New to the forum /saltwater community

[JustOneMore20]

Welcome to AA!

[Jimbo7]

Welcome! What do you have in mind so far for a setup? Along with what cmor said, nothing happens fast, so it is best to have everything planned out before you start! (plus we all have to live vicariously through you new people, setting up new tanks is one of the best parts about the hobby!)

[catmel]

Thanks again for the warm welcome! I just moved into a new house so its going to probably be a little while before I can get everything, but i've been doing several months research on equipment / care / fish etc. I'm thinking a 55 gal FOWLR set up. Not too sure on everything else yet. Probably start with a few clowns, a goby, cleaner shrimp etc.

What have you guys found to be the best place either from a LFS or online to get supplies (eg: filters, heaters etc) and things like live rock / sand? I was told I can get a lot better deal online for these things. I did find some decent deals at the LFS on aquariums /stands.

thanks again for the interest/ help

[cmor1701d]

The lfs is the best place to get the tank and stand (if buying new).

For online retailers my two favorites are Drs. Fosters and Smitch and ThatPetPlace. Both have good prices (though not necessarily the lowest) and great customer service.

BigALs is pretty good and will price match (as will ThatPetPlace). I also use MarineDepot as well as several other smaller online retailers. I just bought Salifert test kits from a smaller place I had never heard of before, but they had the kits in-stock for less than anyone else, and they nearby so shipping was minimal with next day delivery (normal ups ground).

If you have questions about a retailer ask here. There's a good chance someone has used them before.

[warped1]

I agree with cmor1701d Drs. Foster and Smith were a real pleasure to deal with - I am new myself and ordered twice from them. Prices were very reasonable, products came fast and were well pack, and if there are any problems I'm told by members here they have great customer service


Holy Smokes - cmor1701d - 1701d - I just got it - Star Trek, the Enterprise - boy some days I'm just stupid

[cmor1701d]

Yes you got it (partially). NCC-1701 was the original from the 60's TV series.

[roka64]

Man, I never got it either! Now it all makes sense!

[cmor1701d]

Lol

[catmel]

As I've already been asking lots of questions so far and have have got a lot of great answers, I just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU!!! everyone here has been so wonderful and helpful. Even after the months of research i've done, when it actually comes down to doing it you find you still have a lot of questions. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of it. thanks again for your continued help!!

anyone lurking reading the site, join!!

[pitt420dude]

Hey Hi, welcome catmel! You're totally right about your last post. Every answer creates two more questions, lol.

Still, gaining knowledge is a one way street, you only go forward. The people here really know their stuff, and I trust what they say much more than anybody in a LFS for sure!

You sure you want to go SW? Maybe you ought to try your hand at a FW planted tank? lol.