Basics

[ILLiDaN]

So what are the basics to starting a saltwater tank? can u guys give me the 411, TIA.......im a noob and planning to start a nano reef

[drummereef]

Here's a good place to start. :)

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074

[Faviaphile]

Welcome aboard!

The first most important part is planning! Plan a list of the species you would ultimately like, the way you envision your tank ultimately and be sure that these two things are compatible.
Once, you've got a list of the appropriate species. You can start focusing on their individual needs and equipment requirements.

Make sure you know what you want in the far, far future before you start, making purchases on equipment. It will save you a bunch of trouble and money!

For example: If you know that one day you would like clams, a nano may not be best or if you may not have clam lighting in your budget...et cetera

Sounds like you've taken a great step- joining RC before you started setup is so smart!

[TekCat]

Welcome!

Start reading ALOT!!!!! Then form a plan, then read some more. Then ask questions, and read again,... repeat previous steps as needed, ... did I mention reading? :)

[eaj43081]

You are doing better than I did when I started. I started by taking advise from the lfs. Bad mistake. I didn't find out about RC until about 8 months into a sw tank and hundreds of dollars of equipment that either I didn't need or was bascically junk. But since I found RC at least I know I am on the right track now. My advise, any extra time you have read as much as you can, Go through the different forums and read as much as you can. Learn from others and ask a lot of questions, it helps.

[Rustylugnuts]

What size nano we talkin here?

[ILLiDaN]

i was tinkin 29g but too much money for my first tank so im tinkin maybe a 12g nano

[Rustylugnuts]

whats the limiting factor, price of LR or lights?

if you have the time (and patience) you could save a lot of money by buying 12 lbs of LR to seed 20 more lbs of DIY LR (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1094586&perpage=25&pagenumber=2) (go halfway down and read a post by Insane Reefer for the breakdown)
Even though still small, a 29 will be a lot more forgiving

[ThomasinKind]

wetwebmedia.com

[Rustylugnuts]

thats a great link thomas TONS of stuff there
i shoulda thought to post that one myself