Tropical To Reef

[ukowen]

Hi,

I have kept tropical fish for about 5 years now and have been very happy and enjoyed every minute of it.But on a recent trip to musscat and seeing all the marine life, got home, now really want to look after a reef tank. I think the best bet for me is to get a nano cube to start with, as converting my tank in to a reef friendly tank will cost to much and will be to big to begin with. i am a complete novice what will be the best way to go any help would be great thank you.

 

[Morn]

I am new to this game to so my advice will simply be recycled from what others have given me.

I am led to believe that keeping an invertebrate take is ever so slightly simpler (as they alter the water chemistry less) than fish live stock.

I have started with a 10US gallon tank that will contain in the first instance live rock, sand, some soft coral and crabs/shrips as a kind of clean up act.

Based on what I have read this will be simple to set up, however there are some restrictions when using a small tank as there is less room for error when keeping the water quality etc....

Others may disagree with me but I suggest that you start by looking into a invert only tank then see how you go and take it from there.

Hope that helps a little and that someone who is a little more experience than me reply also.

Finally take a look at the sticky threads at the top, they have a lot of info contained in them.

Good luck

Graham

 

[ukowen]

I am new to this game to so my advice will simply be recycled from what others have given me.

I am led to believe that keeping an invertebrate take is ever so slightly simpler (as they alter the water chemistry less) than fish live stock.

I have started with a 10US gallon tank that will contain in the first instance live rock, sand, some soft coral and crabs/shrips as a kind of clean up act.

Based on what I have read this will be simple to set up, however there are some restrictions when using a small tank as there is less room for error when keeping the water quality etc....

Others may disagree with me but I suggest that you start by looking into a invert only tank then see how you go and take it from there.

Hope that helps a little and that someone who is a little more experience than me reply also.

Finally take a look at the sticky threads at the top, they have a lot of info contained in them.

Good luck

Graham

 

[ukowen]

Thanks for the input im still dont really no what to do, i think i shoul read up a lot more first before i make up my mind

 

[idlefingers]

i think i shoul read up a lot more first before i make up my mind

There's definitely a lot of reading to be done..

Some good places to start are The Nano FAQs and The Saltwater FAQs. Book-wise, I'd also recommend "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. If you're going to go down the coral route, "Corals" by Eric Borneman is great.

 

[RadaR]

To be honest, try get the biggest tank you can afford too. Much safer because the water chemistry is easier to stabilize.