need help?

[Freddiejoenunn]

I am new to reef tanks but want to give it a try.I'd like to try a ten gallon reef tank,but I have no clue where to start.Any suggestions on equiptment,livestock would be helpful.Thank you.

[Rick O]

Hi Freddiejoenunn. Welcome to The Reef Tank. You're smart to seek advice before you get started. This is a very rewarding hobby but at the same time can be frusterating when things don't go as planned. Researching will smooth out the bumps in the road. I would start here. Your first purchase should be a book. Look at the recommended books list and pick one or more. Click on the book picture and you'll get a brief description of each.

There is a vast amount of experience among the members of this board so feel free to ask as many questions as you want.

[FishDaddy]

Hi Freddiejoe,

Glad to have you join us!

Rick hit the nail on the head! The very best place to start is with some good books. I like Robert Fenner's The Conscientious Marine Aquarist and/or John Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums to begin with. Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals is a "must have" for anyone contemplating keeping corals. None of these books are expensive but they will save you big $$$ in the long run. They can be ordered online by clicking on the Amazon.com link at the bottom of the page.

There are many different ways to set up a successful reef tank and many differing opinions on what is best. That is why reading as much as possible is so important, then, you can make your own informed choices.

I would suggest considering the largest tank you can reasonably afford. The more water volume you have the more forgiving the system can be, plus, you can keep more "stuff"!

Here are some excellent links but also check our archives:
http://www.reefcorner.com/reef%20keeping_101.htm
http://faq.thekrib.com/sbegin.html
http://www.reefkeepers.org/faq/cache/33.html
http://sps.reefkeepers.org/LiveRockFAQ.htm
http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm

Again, welcome to TRT!
Dick

[Hermit]

Welcome aboard.

The other's have given good advice. The larger the tank the better. IMO, a 40g is as small as I'd go on a first tank. Another good book is The Coral Reef Aquarium by Ron Shimek.

Hope your stay is as enjoyable as mine has been.

[Dipstick]

Hi,Freddiejoenonn
And Welcome I'm new too. I'm starting a 10 gallon reef too. So I wish you the best of luck.


---Dipstick a.k.a (also known as) Drew

[karlas]

welcome to the salty side. another good book is "THE NEW MARINE AQUARIUM" by Michael Paletta. a very good beginners book. also heres another site for ya

starting with marines