basically clueless

[miket1031]

My dad just gave me his 50 gallon tank and stand. I would like to put some clownfish in it, but i'm in need of some imput on what i need to get it started.

[miket1031]

I was going to start with live sand and rock.

[puzzlenow]

is this your fist saltwater tank?

[miket1031]

Its my first tank of any kind.

[2004jeepoutlander]

basically you need to let the tank cycle then put your fish in you need to test for amonia + 0 nitrite=0 nitrates=0 ans you shoulld use ro water good luck clown fish are easy but if you wwna to keep invertabrate you need high watage lifgghting

[puzzlenow]

Well you found a great site. Getting advise from these folks is wonderful. I would try and get a recomendations on 1 or 2 good books. When I first started I re-read the same book several times. "The conscientous Marine Aquarist" by robert fenner, is one of my favorites. I have also read on this forum that several others agree. Also what was helpful to me was 1 more book call "Marine Fishes" by scott michael, this book is a pocketexpert guide. it will tell you;max length of the fish, range, tank size, feeding, suitablility index (1-5) for hardiness, reef compatable, and captive care.

I would also shop around and find a lfs, local fish store that you trust. I had to go 40 miles away to find one that I trust. (there are 3 others within 3-10miles close) BUt I trust this one store.

Ask questions, go slow, dont over crowd, only get fish that will be happy in a 50gal. (might seem big, but compared to the ocean...)

BE PATIENT!!!

It takes a while to get the proper cycle, dont rush it , there for killing fish. GO SLOW. and have fun

[Reefmedic79]

Books lots of reading and of course Reef Central.I suggest any of the books suggest here on RC. Don't believe what your Local Fish Store (LFS) says until you have confirmed it with the opinions heard here. Impulse Buys are the quickest way of wasting money and livestock. Most of everything on these web-boards is an opinion of what works best for the author of the post. Different things work better or worse depending on alot of diferent variables. Most of all good luck and welcome to Reef Central!!!

P.S. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby.

[miket1031]

have you ever order fish online?

[miket1031]

I was curious what part of Maryland you are from puzzlenow? do you know ant good stores in the delaware area?

[tdragon]

best thing todo is let the tank sit dry for a week or to and just read up on how to set it up i was in a rush when i set my tank up and it took me about 6 months to get all the problem worked out
but this is just my opion

J

[TheUltimateNoob]

yes. but it's going to be a couple months before you can even put a fish in. you have to put the sand in and wait for it to settle. then buy live rock somewhere and cure it. then stick it in the tank and let it cycle. once the cycle is done. you can add 1 or 2 fish. also, try using the search function. these threads always come up and they have a lot of good info.

[swims withthe fishes]

Welcome Miket to the greatest hobby on earth,
the first lesson in this hobby is that for everything there is to do, there are 40 ways to do it. everyone has their own way and opinion on things as you will soon discover. you have to root through these and find the method you think best suits you.
for starters i recommend reading this thread, in it's entirety. it's very informative and covers your startup and basic equipment well. http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=239848
also at the bottom of the forum page you will find a link to the "RC Book Store" where you will find many great titles to help you get started and later in the hobby.
also make yourself familiar with the search function atop the page
Good Luck to you, and welcome to RC!

[puzzlenow]

Miket.... Iam from Frederick, MD. Iam sorry to say that I dont know any store in Delaware. I bet you could get good advise on "online" shopping. Personally, I have only puchased 1 thing for my fish on line, and it wasnt alive. But I hear there are some good ones.

My guy, get anything I want and even QT's it for me for about a month. So I am pretty lucky...

Wish I could have been better help.

[miket1031]

thank you.