College report on aquarists lovers

[MermaidCrown]

Hi guys, I'm a college student writing about saltwater fish and freshwater fish lovers. I'm very curious to know how a lot of people got into aquarists like for example my father would buy tiny small fish for me and that's how I got into it. I have never owned saltwater fish but hoped one day I would

my questions
Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater? Or Did you have a family who was into. Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank? How did it feel once you got everything setup? What issues did you have when setting up your first tank? What was your first fish and why did you pick it? What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off?

My other advice what things could I talk about on my information on aquarists?

[RobZilla04]

Originally Posted by MermaidCrown

Hi guys, I'm a college student writing about saltwater fish and freshwater fish lovers. I'm very curious to know how a lot of people got into aquarists like for example my father would buy tiny small fish for me and that's how I got into it. I have never owned saltwater fish but hoped one day I would

my questions
Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater? I started with fresh and moved into salt once I bought a house. I knew moving a salt water tank is risky and a real pain.Or Did you have a family who was into. No family, I was the first.Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank? I assumed it was tedious and expensive, under estimated by a lot.How did it feel once you got everything setup? Truly enjoyed the set up process. Very rewarding to see the progress. Education is a constant in this hobby.What issues did you have when setting up your first tank? Algae / nutrient control. What was your first fish and why did you pick it? Clown fish. Relatively easy to keep and afford. Instant salt water satisfaction also.What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off? Research and go slow. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Also be prepared to spend more than you think.

My other advice what things could I talk about on my information on aquarists?

Red are some replies. Best of luck.

[Papermonkeys]

Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater?
I've always had random fish growing up had a hard time keeping them alive, and as I'm older and more into the hobby now I completely understand hah. I started seriously in college with fresh water, which I kept (and still keep) until I found a more permanent place to live in which I set up a saltwater tank (I've always wanted to but didn't have the time/funds/confidence).

Or Did you have a family who was into. Only one
As far as I can remember only me

Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank?
Wasn't really sure, but I did a lot of research so I was much more prepared then as a kid. I thought setting up a saltwater tank would be super challenging, but so far (only about 4 months in) I haven't had too many big issues. The biggest thing is just do your homework and take your time I think.

How did it feel once you got everything setup?
It is quite a great feeling. I know personally I can sit in front of them for hours and just watch. It's a weird calming sensation as well as very interesting/entertaining to watch all of the different parts of the ecosystem interact.

What issues did you have when setting up your first tank?
With fresh water I'v always struggled keeping plants alive. Losing fish always sucks too, I had a sick batch of cardinal tetras whip out like 30 fish out of my freshwater community too. I guess thats on me for not quarantining

What was your first fish and why did you pick it?
I can't remember for fresh water, but I've always had an angel in my community as well as rams I love rams haha. For SW first fish was a pair of clowns just like most. They seem relatively easy to care for, hard to go wrong.

What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off?
Always read up on fish before you purchase them. Take your time. If possible setup a QT tank. Also if possible see if you can have the store feed the fish to make sure the one/ones you want are eating.

Good luck!

[Sk8r]

I started when I was 6, and salt water fish weren't an option. I experimented with keeping seahorses when I was in grad school. I tried an unsuccessful 10 gallon tank some years later. Got a proper 100 gallon system years after that, and it worked. (Size matters: small tanks are a real tough balancing act.) Mostly I've had both. My advice to a starter is simple: buy equipment before you buy fish or corals, research what you need, and buy as big a tank as you can possible fit in. Big is easier. Join a website and talk to other members, and don't ever figure there's an easier route than the one advised. Many disasters happen from somebody figuring he can shortcut the processes and rush things.

[Ron Reefman]

Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater?

Started with salt in a 30g. Now I'm trying to downsize from 4 tanks (125,65,50 & 25) to 2 (125 & 50).

Or Did you have a family who was into.

Nobody in my family had any interest in fish except to catch and eat them!

Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank?

No, but it was even more of a struggle and learning experience than I thought. I might well have given up on the hobby except for a good local club and the fact that my wife and I love to go snorkeling in the Florida Keys 4 or 5 long weekends a year!

How did it feel once you got everything setup?

Overwhelmed.

What issues did you have when setting up your first tank?

Huge lack of knowledge. When I started 12+ years ago I didn't even know I could keep live coral.

What was your first fish and why did you pick it?

Chromis. Because it was cheap and hearty.

What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off?

Read, read, study and then find somebody in the hobby willing to help and support your adiction.

[cincyjim]

Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater?

Had fresh water since I was about 6 or 7 years old.

Or Did you have a family who was into.

No, just me.

Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank?

Easy no but my wife really wanted a saltwater tank.

How did it feel once you got everything setup?

So confused. I didn't have anyone to teach me and reading/research can only do so much for you so I really had no idea if I was doing this right, wrong, or indifferent. Many lessons were learned.

What issues did you have when setting up your first tank?

Lack of equipment knowledge. I ended re-buying my light and skimmer and I would have re-bought my sump but there was no way to get the current one out and a new in.

What was your first fish and why did you pick it?

Chromis.

What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off?

Try to find someone who can give trusted advice and let you know you are doing it wrong

[nereefpat]

One could argue that my wife is an "aquarist lover" and "into aquarists."

[JenniferSka]

Originally Posted by MermaidCrown

Hi guys, I'm a college student writing about saltwater fish and freshwater fish lovers. I'm very curious to know how a lot of people got into aquarists like for example my father would buy tiny small fish for me and that's how I got into it. I have never owned saltwater fish but hoped one day I would

my questions
Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater? Or Did you have a family who was into. Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank? How did it feel once you got everything setup? What issues did you have when setting up your first tank? What was your first fish and why did you pick it? What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off?

Are you doing school project?
1.jump right into saltwater; 2. My father has always been into it. 3. It was difficult starting tank, I was assisted actually; 4. I felt happy and had clear vision how the system works; 5. My first first fish was salmon; 6. yes

[billdogg]

Did you start off with freshwater fish or jump right into saltwater?

I (my family) had our first tank when I was 5 or 6. Guppies/mollies/etc. Standard freshwater mishmash of not always compatible fish.


Or Did you have a family who was into.

A family friend, who happened to won the first SCUBA shop in Columbus, had a small saltwater tank in the late 60's/early 70's. That and Jacques Cousteau got me hooked on the idea of saltwater fish and diving. Finally got PADI certified in 1990.

Did you think it would be easy starting your first tank?

The first tank that was 100% mine was a 20g that I set up in the barracks while I was stationed in FLW, MO. I caught whatever I could in the Big Piney. Couldn't have been much easier.

My first marine tank was up in 1989 after I graduated from college. My Mom told me at the time that it was too difficult/expensive and that I'd grow tired of it within a year, tops. It's now 2020 and there has been 1 or more glass boxes of Ocean in my house ever since. I guess Mom wasn't always right?

How did it feel once you got everything setup?

With the marine tank(s) I had the advantage of dating the owner of a (mostly) marine fish store. I also worked there (unpaid) on my days off from the real job so it really was no big deal.

What issues did you have when setting up your first tank?

There was a bunch of learning to do!

What was your first fish and why did you pick it?

Damsels - that's what was used to cycle your tank back then.

What advice would you give to someone who's just starting off?

READ! I didn't have the resources that are available now. Sometimes, however, I see the internet and the 83,000,000,000,000,000 different opinions (all of whom feel that they are correct as a hindrance as much as it is a help.

Most importantly - NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS FAST!!!