I want to start a reef tank?

Question

I want to start a 30 gal reef tank how hard is it and how much work will i have to do to keep it looking nice. i may want to put seahorses in it later what do you think. also what kind of fish can i put in.

Answer 1

I would strongly suggest making certain you'll be successful with other saltwater fish before trying seahorses. These are rather sensitive and compete poorly with other fish for food, so you'll be better to set them up in a separate tank.

I keep both saltwater (all reef tanks, I have 3) as well as freshwater, and once you get past the initial set-up, a few additional pieces of equipment, adding saltwater, andd the inital expense, it's not that much different than freshwater if you've kept that.

If you're planning the traditional corals or anemones for the tank, you should look into compact fluorescent lighting, or a CF/metal halide combo. The above organisms have photosynthetic algae in their cells, so they need more intense ligting than a fish-only tank. I'd also suggest getting a protein skimmer, and the best filter system you can. And you'll need a hydrometer to accurately mix the saltwater to the proper concentration.

A water test kit is a good idea - saltwater fish are rather intolerant of poor water quality. Look for one that will test pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate at the very minimum.

I'd also reccomend investing in a good saltwater fish book. Two that I really liked when I forst started keeping saltwater fish were "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael S. Paletta. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-52-1 and "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert M. Fenner. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-02-5 These are a lot more permanent than any website, and I still use them for reference.

Some websites where you can get some good information are these:
http://www.apapets.com/MarineEcosystem/whatto.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16
http://www.seahorse.org/

As far as fish, I'd suggest starting with a pair of clowns OR a group of green reef chromis, a longnose hawkfish, citron OR clown goby, cardinalfish (1 or a pair), canary blenny, dwarf angel, or firefish. This is too many total, but you can choose from these for something that's fairly hardy, peaceful, reef-safe, and will remain a size that will be comfortable in a 30 gallon. You can also add snails, hermit crabs, shrimp, smaller crabs, and perhaps a small brittlestar. You can find info on the types and care in these links:
http://www.tropicalfishoutlet.com/
http://www.saltwaterfish.com/

Answer 2

Ok ... first of all its not hard. I dont care what anyone says. It takes patients and quite a bit of cash. With a 30 gallon fish tank your going to need about 25-30lbs or live rock...... around 6.99 a lb. You can start putting live rock in your tank about a week after you mixed your salt in with the water and the floor sand. Check you P.H. it needs to be about 8.2. About a month after the set up.........your tank should be cycled but just in case tank a sample of your water to the local pet store and have them test it. If everything is fine then start with very simple reef. Seahorses are very difficult. If you get a seahorse you cant get any other kinds of fish. Seahorses love their privacy and dont like sharing..... Try with a scooter Blenny. He is a cool little fish/ algae eatter.

Answer 3

There is too much information to limit to one answer.

You need to do a lot of reading and a lot of research to be ready to start a reef tank.

You're better off signing up for the forums (they're free) on saltwaterfish.com and reefcentral.org. They have frequently asked questions you can look at, and specific areas for beginners where you can have things explained to you.

Starting a reef tank was one of the best things I ever did, but it's difficult and you need yo do a lot of work to get it right.

Answer 4

Just stick to the Damsels for now. Even although you bought water from the puppy retailer doesn't suggest the water is cycled in 2 weeks. It would take months till the micro organism have founded themselves ample within the tank. Your tank will even cycle greater than as soon as as you upload fish. Just maintain checking phases of EVERYTHING now not simply nitrite/nitrate and do partial water alterations on a steady foundation. I killed fish for years till I received extra revel in. Also, did you acclimatize the fish within the bag correctly by way of go with the flow or drip procedure earlier than introducing them into the tank?