New saltwater hobbyist

[DTeeVee]

Hello everyone! My first post here. I've been in the fish hobby for all of my 14 year old life. When I was born, my mom had a 35 gallon saltwater reef tank. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. A few years ago she got rid of it. I've had freshwater tanks all of my life but I am starting to take a real big interest in the saltwater hobby. I'm going to be getting either a 29 gallon or a 30 gallon and I want to make it a reef tank. Please give me your stocking suggestions and tips.
Thanks in advance

P.S.
I would consider myself pretty educated for a person that has never had a saltwater tank. My mom taught me a lot when she had her reef tank.

[shifty51008]

To Reef Central

The biggest help i can give is read, read, and read some more. There are stickies at the top of the forum that will have you reading for days with lots of good info.

Next is to research everything you get, dont just buy it cause it's cheap or it looks good, make sure it works for your setup. This goes for fish, corals, equipment, ect.

A qt is also a very good thing to start out with along with a good rodi filter, they will save you headaches later on.

And last, if you dont understand something ask questions, there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Good luck

[ProZack199]

welcome to the fourm. make sure to post pictures on your build

[pyithar]

+1 to what they said above ^^ as for stocking fish, you could check out the nano fishes on liveaquaria and see which ones you like.

Welcome to RC!

[DSMreefer]

+1 on the read and research. Definitely don't go cheap. I've made that mistake myself and iam now having to upgrade everything! I haven't been in the saltwater biz for very long myself but I will tell you, you have to have patience....lots of it. Good things don't happen fast in a reef tank. There is a lot of knowledgeable folks on this forum that can help with any questions you have. Most of all have fun with it and good luck!

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[jam.jo]

I would suggest going for a 40 gallon breeder for a reef tank instead of a 20 or 30. The reason is it is harder to keep parameters in check the smaller the tank. I have a 40 gallon and it is the perfect size in my opinion and you will easily have it for a long time without growing out of it too quickly. I agree with the RO/DI and quarantine tank. Are you planning on having a sump or hang on the back equipment? I researched for a year before I set mine up. Bulk Reef Supply has a ton of videos on Youtube on reef tank care I would suggest watching those before setting one up because they have a lot of good advice on equipment, brands, and they helped save me headaches I would have had if I didn't research. Also, make sure to research the fish you want BEFORE you buy them. There are so many fish that require certain feeding habits or minimum tank size to survive. Also helps to identify aggressive/peaceful fish. I made that mistake when I bought my neon dottyback and found that it has been aggressive and tends to harass my snails, hermits, and diamond goby if they are on the sand in it's area.

[gone fishin]

Welcome to the forum

[dana_ag]

Welcome! It's a great hobby to fall in love with

[SFish]

Originally Posted by jam.jo

i would suggest going for a 40 gallon breeder for a reef tank instead of a 20 or 30. The reason is it is harder to keep parameters in check the smaller the tank. I have a 40 gallon and it is the perfect size in my opinion and you will easily have it for a long time without growing out of it too quickly. I agree with the ro/di and quarantine tank. Are you planning on having a sump or hang on the back equipment? I researched for a year before i set mine up. Bulk reef supply has a ton of videos on youtube on reef tank care i would suggest watching those before setting one up because they have a lot of good advice on equipment, brands, and they helped save me headaches i would have had if i didn't research. Also, make sure to research the fish you want before you buy them. There are so many fish that require certain feeding habits or minimum tank size to survive. Also helps to identify aggressive/peaceful fish. I made that mistake when i bought my neon dottyback and found that it has been aggressive and tends to harass my snails, hermits, and diamond goby if they are on the sand in it's area.

+1

[ecotanker]

Welcome. Yes definitely research. Look into algae scrubbers and sulfur denitrators two relatively uncommon equipments to see if they are to your liking.

cheers.