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One Eyed Bunny
01/31/2006, 12:51 PM
First, I just want to say that this might be a good thread to sticky if the feedback is good enough to warrant a sticky.

My question is: Are there any books or on-line "tutorials" about starting a salt water fish/coral tank?

I'm really interested in starting a small tank for 2 or 3 small marine fish, but I don't want to start out completely on my own. When I start anything, such as my geology projects, beadsmithing, and woodworking I always did my research. With this adventure I'm having a problem finding sound resources or books that I can learn from. Also, I want to do twice as much reading and research as I would normally with any of my other projects, not being of the expense, but because I'm dealing with living creatures.

So, any references be it in books, online or magazines, please feel free to post them! (Also, including references on corals, parasites, and what not as well would be helpful. I really enjoyed my suitemate's tank so I plan on starting my own, and knowing everything marine life would be helpful.)

Paintbug
01/31/2006, 01:25 PM
first:
http://www.reefcentral.com/images/welcome.gif
heres a good selection of books:
http://www.reefcentral.com/books/

heres a great article on starting a reef tank
http://www.reefcentral.com/modules.php?s=&name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=1

this book covers just about everything with SW tanks. including IDs, equipment, etc.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=BKRA3

stevebydac
01/31/2006, 01:33 PM
Here are a couple of really good, fairly recent books that give newbies a solid understanding of marine aquariums. Even as a vet, I found them quite valuable.

Natural Reef Aquariums by John H. Tullock

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner

I suggest that you read, read, read, read, read. Even in the above books, I don't agree with everything they say. But once you have a few books under your belt, and skim Reef Central daily, you'll learn quickly what the consensus thinks.

Also, I suggest two other websites. One for hardcore scientific knowledge and the best overall judge of adult fish size (better than ANY book I've seen) : www.fishbase.org

And (I hope this is allowed here???) www.wetwebmedia.com I think this site is a great compliment to Reef Central, with generally very good advice.

Best of luck! It is a great hobby!

One Eyed Bunny
01/31/2006, 01:41 PM
Thanks. I'll check'em out soon as I get back from class.

Sociology of Gender! Yay! (Sarcasm.)

I do want to say that I really do appreciate both of you for giving me a few new resources to use! Thank you very much!

WaterKeeper
01/31/2006, 01:51 PM
See if these are of help Bunny-The New Tank Thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848) and The Lighting Thread (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=550860).

One Eyed Bunny
01/31/2006, 05:18 PM
Thanks WaterKeeper, those two threads really helped me out by giving me a numerical ratio of light to gallons, as well as a few other little tips and tricks to rigging a sump.

I plan on starting out with a 24g Nano Cube to behind with. Only three small fish and some live rock for the time being. I feel thats enough for me to start feeling more comfortable and than maybe I would move to a larger tank, say 75 - 95 gal.

Paintbug
01/31/2006, 06:20 PM
well dont start with the fish right away please :D. you have started off the right way! you found RC :D