A New Hobbyist

[xcrunningstar]

Hello to the larger aquarist world. I feel I am treading the gravel of the gate at the opening of a larger world. I'm the son of a aquarist who, until my younger brother unplugged the tank before the start of a two week vacation, had a 120 gallon tank established with 9 years running. The tank had eels, ployps galore, crabs, snails, shrimp, all the coral we could gather from sellers in Tampa and I hope one day t reach that point. As for me, I'm just getting started, about to pick up a 90 gallon bowfront tank from a friend and start my first tank. I've done more research on live rock, live sand, nitrogen levels, etc. than I have for my upcoming law school finals, but I'm still nervous about starting everything up. If you're still reading this thread then you have a real interest in this subject so my question to you is this, if you could give yourself one piece of advice when you started that books couldn't tell you, what would it be?

PS- As someone on a major student budget, any offers of discounted or free live sand/rock would be incredible! I promise to name my first fish after you!

-Xcrunningstar

[Jack jjd]

Unfortunately this is an expensive hobby especially if you go reef. However, if your willing to be patient (a problem I have I am still learning to overcome) you can slowly but surely save for the appropriate amount of rock, lights and equipment.

My advice, is take advantage of the internet, do research, ask questions and take your time.
Welcome aboard.

P.S. a 120 gallon tank is great take to have. Not too big, but large enough for cool aquascapping and easier stability parameters.