Newcomer to Saltwater needs help!

[jjwilley718]

Hello to all,

This is my first post and man I really need some help. After a year of back and forth I have decided that I really want to start a FOWLR tank. I'm thinking probably 50-75 gallon tank. I'm starting this thread to hopefully get some advice on which equipment to buy and what I am looking at as far as startup cost? I do want a couple of clownfish, maybe a tang, cleaner shrimp, maybe a starfish, and maybe a few Kaudern Cardinals. This list is not set in stone yet as I need to get my tank cycling first, well actually I need to purchase it first. I would appreciate any and all help that you all can help me.

 

[JustinKBreen]

I like much cardinal, I like the choice

Ok now to answer the question. If you want a tang there are only a few that could work in a tank as small as 75 gallons. If you really want a specific tang you may need a larger tank.

You should have about 1-1.5 pounds of live rock per gallon. Unless you want just a glass bottom research your planned livestock and see if any require a deep sand bed, like jaw fish for example. I would avoid using crushed coral in your sand bed.

For filtration the live rock will do a majority of the work for you. I suggest a sump tank with a protein skimmer.

Lighting is rather easy for a fowlr tank. But if you plan on having coral or anemones in the future I recommend starting out with quality lighting such as leds.

As for money, salt water is a never ending money pit. Its worth it thought.

 

[jjwilley718]

Thanks on the Cardinal, I think that one is a neat looking one. What are your thoughts about the clownfish? I really would like to do Live rock instead of just a sand bed.

Could you give me some suggestions on which sump tanks, protein skimmers, and lighting I should get? I'm looking for just a few specific suggestions. I know that these will be very opinionated, but I need to know where to start.

As far as cost, I know it will be a never ending money pit, but I want to get an idea of startup costs.

 

[jjwilley718]

What an engineer goby?

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

This is my new 9" engineer goby. This is only 1/3rd of his whole body

 

[jjwilley718]

I like the look. Any other suggestions from anyone??