Just contemplating.

[paulthegreat]

I am looking to get a big tank(500-700L) and was thinking about having a coral tank. They look so good, but not sure if I have what it takes to manage one. Do salt tanks require more attention and cash then a big tropical fresh tank. Can I go away for a week and expect things to run smooth on their own or do salt/coral reef tanks require more attention? My kids love Nemo and I would like to give them a closer look into this ecosystem. I am a serious(in my own opinion) fish keeper and am willing to make a little more effort then it takes to keep freshies. I want a realistic view as to how much more is need to keep a reef type tank. I raise livebearer fry and sell them with some sucess, but am a bit unsure about getting started on salties. I would love to have a very interactive tank with things other then just fish and unwanted snails. A combination of living corals, fish and crustations would be nice but is the size I am looking at a realistic idea? Early planning, needing a good view on this! Would I need an educated babysitter if I were to be away for a few weeks, or could I give a quick instruction to a friend and have a good chance that I would come home to a living system?

 

[maestro]

They require more cash definately, the equipment is very expensive to start of with, for a big tank you will probably pay £300-400 for the lights alone depending upon what you want to keep.

Maintenence is a little more than freshwater, you have to top up evaportion regularly, prepare salt walter, monitor the water for ph and alk etc and know what to do if they are off, all these will only take 10-15 minutes a day though, mainly its the expence

 

[paulthegreat]

The cost is not as much of an issue as the maintaince. I am willing to save and wait to have a great looking tank, but there are going to be times when I can not always be there and having someone help out with little instruction would be good.

 

[maestro]

The problem is that bad things can happen quickly and if your not going to be around half the time then it might be a problem, it depends how long your away for really, the odd week wont make that much of a difference

Alot of it can be automated, lights are on a timer, top up via an auto top up system, imo although there are auto feeders I think food is best given in person so maybe you can leave someone to feed your tank.

If someone else in your familly took a slight interest and could say do a water test then that would help.

 

[paulthegreat]

Well since I am home most of the time that sounds good, the only thing I was concerned about that is when we go on vacation it is usually to the States and then it is for a month every other year or so.

 

[Chac]

A month is a long time to leave a salt tank unattended really, I would say you really would need someone just to make sure everthing is fine and who can fix any problems whilst you sre away

Also have a read of This post, It may give you some info. on keeping a salt tank

Del