New to the hobby and wants to start learning. Where do I begin?

[Coraliaduchess]

:rolleye1: this is my first time to ever learn about coral. I have many friends and family with coral tanks and I would love to learn about anything I can so I can begin my own. I do understand I am probably the only one on this forum that does not actually have a tank at home, but that is why I am here! I am here to learn as much as possible so possibly I can have my own tank without to many whoops. If there is anyone who can help me begin my lessons I would sincerly apreciate your time and effort in helping!!! Thank you

[dwd5813]

i'm not sure what your poll question is, but assuming it's 'is there anyone here that can help me?' YES! :D

here are some great links to start out with.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074
^waterkeeper's new to the hobby stuff is great. there's good info mixed in with a sense of humor that takes the edge off what can be overwhelming.
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605
^randy holmes-farley's chemistry series. a LOT of excellent information

in addition, as you read through that mass of information you are bound to come up with a ton of questions. as you come up with them, don't be shy about asking. start a thread and folks around here are usually pretty good about answering.

last but not least:

[welcome]

[dwd5813]

ahh, now i see the question part. i always forget that's there. :lol:

[Sk8r]

You're in luck. We have a manual.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074
This one will set you on the right track. There are other such files marked with an * at the top of this forum.

And we're all here to answer questions..
Decide how much room and money you have, pick out the spot you'd like it to occupy and what you'd like to keep (check out the sponsors on the banner at top) and check out your shopping list here. Used equipment is cheaper, and good; small tanks are harder than midsized tanks; huge tanks have their problems, and the LONGER your tank is, the pricier your lighting, one of the really big expenses. Pre-drilled is a real convenience, a sump is a good thing, and if you want my personal recommendation, get into a 50 gallon softie reef, (fish/corals) with a sump. Easy corals, fishes under 4" long, and fairly hardy. You'll need a quarantine tank and a spare pump for running it: putting any fish into your tank without quarantine for parasites and any coral into your tank without appropriately dipping it for parasites is asking for heartbreak.

[amandasaurus]

You're not the only one without a tank. Before I bought my first, I spent a long time on here reading and learning. There are a TON of great resources out there. Here are some of my favorites so far:

So you want to start a marine tank... (http://www.reefcentral.com/modules.php?s=&name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=1)

Tons of info about live rock (http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/liverockberlinsetups/Live_Rock_Filtration_Systems_Information.htm)

About.com's daily email tips about marine tanks (so helpful!) (http://saltaquarium.about.com/c/ec/1.htm)

About.com's saltwater aquarium basics (http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/startinganaquarium/u/UserPath1_Aquarium_Basics.htm)

Drs. Foster and Smith aquaria site; mainly a store, but LOTS of great information including fish for beginners (http://www.liveaquaria.com/)

And... here, of course! Read EVERYTHING you can. Even if you think a post doesn't apply to you, read it anyway; things don't always stay on topic. Ask questions, especially BEFORE you do anything (not after; talking about all the great stuff you just laid down a ton of cash for and then finding out it's all wrong is NOT a great feeling).

Have fun! I wish I could help more, but as you can tell by my sig, I'm brand new here, too. We're in this together ;)

[Coraliaduchess]

Well I thank u all so much for the opinions and being the first to help me out.. If I come across more questions I will certainly come to one of you who haves helped me! Thank you. It a kind of hard for a 20 year old full time worker to find the time or messages but I this case since I have people to actually interact with I will be posting more

[Coraliaduchess]

Well I thank u all so much for the opinions and being the first to help me out.. If I come across more questions I will certainly come to one of you who haves helped me! Thank you. It a kind of hard for a 20 year old full time worker to find the time or messages but I this case since I have people to actually interact with I will be posting more

[Whys]

You've come to the right place, and asking advice BEFORE you have your tank is the best possible course of action. +1 out of +1 possible, that gives you an A+. Now just try and keep it. :D

Many here are very helpful. I wish you luck and welcome to the hobby!