I don't know how much you have already read, but at this point, if you havent't spent a lot of time reading some of the primary references for the hobby, now would be the time. It will help you make a decision about selecting what type of creatures you want to keep, and that will dictate what type of lighting you will want to use, and just how strong that light will need to be. Just as important will be how much water circulation you will need, and whether or not you will want a lot or a little of live rock/ live sand, as well as whether or not you will want to use a sump or to use a refugium. All these things, as well as the size of your tank, will be based on the type of creatures you want to keep. An even better start would be to finish some reading, then select a microcosm that you would like to mimic in your little slice of the ocean. Take the time to REALLY research what creatures that inhabit that microcosm, and the food chains that exist in that biotope in general. Then make your selections for what you would like to keep. Doing the reading now, and asking as many questions as you feel are necessary of the forum here will save you a ton of money and a lot of heartache. Many of the folks here would love to see you succeed the first time with as little investment as possible in terms of time and money. We have all been where you are now, and most of us that have been in the hobby for a number of years have seen many changes that will keep you from making the mistakes we have all made. Don't be shy about borrowing the books from a library, just so long as you take the time to read them and understand the concepts promoted there. There is a thread on the board that lists a number of good books to start with. One of my favorites is John Tullock's "Natural Reef Aquariums", or Bob Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". Keep in mind that patience here is more than a virtue, it is an absolute necessity, as nothing good EVER happens quickly in the reef tank (only the bad stuff). I hope that you'll have a wonderful time doing the research. I personally find it fascinating to do the research for the systems that I develope, and getting a new system to maturity is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. Keep an open mind on any suggestions that folks give you (even mine!!!) and look for systems and methods that either show proven results, or (for new ideas in the future) have sound rational and are backed up by factual information, not just someone's opinion.
I hope that you enjoy yourself in the hobby, and will be a regular participant on the board in the future.
[ 03-29-2001: Message edited by: tdwyatt ]
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(TDWyatt)
Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -Plato
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