What sort of maintenance is needed for SW tank?

[illuminum]

I have a small 12g FW tank and I would love to get a large SW tank with the works (LR, coral, small lobsters, fish). I was wondering what sort of maintenance and what new responsibilities I'm going to have if I set up a nice SW tank. Do I need to clean the sand like I would gravel in a FW tank? This would seem difficult with all that coral and live rock in some of the tanks I've seen in the member photo galleries. TIA

Originally Posted by illuminum

Do I need to clean the sand like I would gravel in a FW tank?

No, you would actually incorporate animals into the system to do this for you.

As far as the rest of your concerns.. WOW, that's a mighty large question. I would suggest a good place to start is >>here<<

Cheers
Steve

[r95rdstr]

Do alot of research before you go out and buy any of the equipment, or even the new tank. Starting reading the posts in the forums here at aquariumadvice.com. Spend some time and read the posts back to a year ago. There's also alot of other good sources of info on the web if you look around.

I'm just getting back into saltwater after being out of it for ten years. I was successful with it back then, but quite a bit has changed in that time. It took me two weeks of reading a couple of hours per day to start to get caught up to the new techniques and equipment. Two months later I'm still reading, learning, and just now ready to get the tank set up. During the course of my research, I've changed my mind about several aspects of how my tank will be set up. If I had bought everything up front, I wouldn't have been able to make these changes that will make my setup better.

Take it slow and do ALOT of reading.

[Sam]

I third the advice to do a lot of reading before you spend a dime on anything. There is a good book on setting up a marine aquarium by Michael Paletta. I would also get an atlas of the different fishes that talks about compatibility, maximum size etc. I think this is important in planning your livestock as you would not want to overload your tank. Be prepared to spend quite a bit more money than you imagined on the tank, its occupants and supporting the system. I am waiting for my tank to arrive in a week or so, and since I started my research, based on the advice I have seen in the books and in this excellent forum, have acquired a QT tank, RO/DI system, getting LR and LS and all the other maintenance things needed. Also be aware that you will be spending money on a regular basis for salt and food for the fish taken in perspective of maintaining FW fish. Having had a 55G FW before, I have found it a very interesting learning experience, but I am excited about it.

[loganj]

I would also recommend "The Concientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. This is an excellent book that will outline everything you'll need to get started with a SW tank. Of course, we'll be glad to help as well.