SherLar
Aquarium Advice FINatic
We've never had a salt water tank, but have been talking lately about starting up a small tank, probably 40g or less. We've (my wife and I) both had fresh water tanks since we were teenagers, so (at the risk of dating ourselves) we have over 50 years of combined experience, but we understand that SW is much different than FW. So, our question are: is it necessary for SW tanks to have a sump, or would a canister filter work on a small tank?; is it better to buy pre-mixed water, or to mix your own?; is tank maintenance done basically the same way as FW? is live rock necessary?; what types of small, colorful fish/invertebrates are good for inexperienced keepers? My wife really likes a red/white striped shrimp that we see at all the LFS in the area, but I can't remember what it's called. I like firefish (gobies?), Blue-green Chromis, and a couple others. We don't have any plans to try live coral, at least at this time. Decor would be artificial. Any input and advice would be appreciated.