I appreciate the ramble. Im really new at this so i dont have any plans per say. However idd like to be able to google top 10 saltwater fish and use any of the fish i see. Specifically idd like a couple of clowns, a lionfish, an angel fish to start and then eventually i'm thinking 10-20 fish. Again i have no idea what im doing so i would be counting on the petstore to tell me i can or cant do something. I would start with rocks and some light plants but idd like the flexibility to eventually add Anemone.
If I had to give you one piece of advice, It would be to listen to people here over your local pet store everytime. I would run just about anything you do past us here, even though it seems monotonous, its better then doing something silly and destroying your tank. This is a tentative article I'm working on, but its great for a quick reference on some initial questions you are going to have.
It's a biggun, but take a couple minutes to read it, and jot down some of it if you don't understand it, and research, research, research!
Before you start:
Research.
Read all of the articles in our section here.
Make sure you understand completely what the “cycle” of your tank is.
Use a fishless cycle.
Be prepared to go slow, set deadlines and goals at realistic time intervals.
Think about where you want to go with your tank in 1 month, 6 months and a year.
Make a stocking list, discuss and get it approved here.
Make an equipment list for starting, and things you want long term.
Buy quality equipment once, and use it throughout several tanks.
Set a schedule for daily, weekly and monthly maintenance.
Add at quarantine tank to your equipment list.
Invest in a good RO/DI unit.
Invest in a refractometer.
Buy liquid test kits.
There is no “cheap” saltwater system, be prepared to drop the minimum to keep these animals safe.
Up and running:
Water changes are the first step to regular maintenance, and solving almost any problem.
Keep a notebook or file of anything and everything pertaining to your tank.
Be prepared to lose livestock, no one gets it right the first time around.
Research everything you buy ahead of time.
Research everything you buy ahead of time.
Never let someone push you into an uneducated purchase, even if they have “told you everything you’ll need.”
Take your time, amazing tanks are grown not bought.
Be patient! Better to wait the time then lose the tank.
Always ask questions, preferably before you do something.
Be willing to take advice, even if its not what you want to hear.
Keep a QT tank or dedicated filter always at the ready.
Keep a supply of common medicines.
Over support your system; ex. 1.5+ lbs LR/g, large macro supply, larger skimmer/filter.
Put your lights on a timer, preferably with a stepping in lighting intensity.
Never leave your RO/DI reservoir empty in case of emergencies.
No problem appears overnight, it’s not going to go away overnight.
Always quarantine a fish/coral/invert.
Always acclimate slowly.
General Info:
We all know it says “recommended” tank size, but they are there for a reason, adhere to them.
Never dose your tank without testing the individual level first.
Frag often, your coral, the natural reefs, and fellow hobbyists will thank you.
Do whats best for the animals, not for your wallet. You made this commitment to them.
Wash/Rinse your hands before putting them into the tank.
Always try to keep up to date on the latest information/technology/practices.
Buy aquacultured
everything when possible.
You have never, ever, learned everything there is to know about this hobby.
Support the good local fish stores, clubs and fellow hobbyists.
Promote and live conservation and sustainability for our hobby.
Some more personal notes:
Run as natural of an environment as you can.
DON’T just throw out macro algae if you are near any coast. It can invade the natural waters. Dispose of it properly.
Make your tank a challenge to yourself, not only to maintain it, but to make it thrive.
Never be satisfied with what you are doing, if you have the know how and the capability, push yourself deeper into the hobby to better it. There are always fish breeding challenges or start a coral farm, do something to advance this hobby to make it more sustainable for generations to come.