Hesitant to get my feet wet...

[hob nob]

Gosh. Marine aquariums are daunting aren't they? But this forum looks ace, so hopefully I've found the right place!

There is so much information out there - some of it conflicting - that I am a little reluctant to take my first step.

My aim: to set up a small, sub 30 gallons ideally, tank with 2 clownfish and an anemone.

(A big list of questions is coming up. I apologise.)

Is this too big a task for my first reef aquarium?

Can anyone recommend some good LFS in Manhattan? There is a petco 2 blocks from me - are these generally good places to buy equipment from? How about the internet? What's the smallest size aquarium that would comfortably house this mini-reef?

What's the water like in Manhattan? Can you generally just add salt mix or do you need to filter it first?

I picked up "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta and it's proved a great read. Does anyone have any other good starter books?

Am I asking too many questions? Should I just take the plunge, buy a load of stuff and see what happens?

I'm planning on getting good at this, so hopefully I can answer questions like these for someone else in future! PS - if anyone has any 2nd hand equipment for someone with none that would be appropriate, I will gladly pay money.

 

[Henrye]

Welcome to MR! Do not go out and buy a load of stuff and see what happens, we can all predict that it will be a painful, expensive experience. Reading as much as you can is the place to start. The folks here have tremendous knowledge and experience and are always glad to help.

Books are a great start. I would recommend getting "The Contentious marine Aquariast" by Fenner. After that, there are many excellent books available to cover specific topics in depth (like "Aquarium Corals" by Borneman, etc.). Forums like this one are a terrific on line source of information, and really helped me in getting up to speed to start.

Usually, it's recommended to get a large tank to start (around 55g and up) as with more water, keeping the SW itself stable is easier as small changes are not magnified as in a small tank. However, plenty of people here have started in small tanks, even 12g tanks, and have been successful providing they kept special attention to keep the tank in balance.

A 20-30g tank is a nice starter tank size. You can have 2 smaller clowns in it, but an anemone is not going to work. They are hard to care for even by experienced reefers, and need a stable, well established tank. the clowns, however, do not NEED an anemone to host them, and can be just as happy hosting in other corals, if they wish. If you do go for 2, make sure they are a mated pair, otherwise you'll be in for a live, ultimate fighting show.

Only real reef store in Manhattan itself is New World Aquarium on East 38 street. there are, though many good LFS's in other boroughs, as well as Westchester and CT. There are also some very helpful vendors on this site. Spare yourself the pain of Petco, there is nothing there you want, except for perhaps a cheap glass tank (only on sale and not with the junk they throw in as a "package"). If you want a self contained mini reef (hood, lighting, space for equipment and filtration built in) there are several makers out there. I have a 24g Aquapod. Other popular tanks are the JBJ nano cube, Oceanic bio cube, and systems by Finnex and CAD lights. Buying one local vs. on line does come down to price and availability.

Sorry I can't add more right now, but I'm sure lots of guidance will pop up here.

Henry

p.s. no, you should not use NYC tap water.

 

[Mr.Blik]

Hob Nob,

Welcome to MR!! First let me say, no questions are stupid or too much. We have all started at the same point you are and IMO the group of guys and gals in this community are a wonderful reference and supplement to any books you can find.

I am also releetively new to the hobby, but will enpart my own mini-wisdom (experence). DON'T use tap water, this will cause you and you tank a world of hurt. If you are serious about setting up a system (small or otherwise) spend a little $ and buy an RO unit. Starting small is a good idea, but I believe that you will soon get the twich to "upgrade" everyone here does.

I have been to New World, good but expensive. Surf the MR Market. There are plenty of members looking to get rid of equipment..."one reefers trash is anothers treasure." Ask around here aswell, post some WTB threads, if you know what you are looking for already. Might even find a tank. Also the vendor on this site are great, honest and friendly.

I hope to see your progress and if I can be of any assistance, will chime in and give it. Good Luck and keep us posted on you progress.

Mr.Blik

 

[m'akoyPINOY]

welcome to mr hob nob:biggrinpa

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Welcome to mr

 

[32Bit_Fish]

Welcome nob,

I'm new here too and ready setting up a 20g Nemo tank.

You probably want to follow my posts cuz we are probably setting up the same type of reef tank.

So you will not make the same mistake I make.

I will post a thread of My First Reef Tank progress later once I have the LRs in my tank.

Good luck and Enjoy!

 

[NRA223]

I have wanted to put a saltwater tank together for 15-20 years. I was always put off by all the negatives I heard about the hobby, time consuming, costs, difficulties. About two months ago, I started buying books, reading and researching. I think the most difficult part for a new comer is learning everything and setting up your first tank and of coarse costs(for some:biggrin: ).

I started making purchases about a month ago, starting with a 58G tank, sump and stand. I have made some more purchases and I'm almost done with buying equipment. I should have water and rock in my tank within two weeks.

I say go for it man, you only live once. Jump on in, the waters warm:Up_to_som :biggrin:

 

[SlamaJama]

No Headache No Sweat Mon...gl with ur first set-up...go through the Forums here, for example the Tank thread forums, for many cool ideas and tanks that are just like what you want to do, visit the Coral Database, the Freebie forum for equipment u may need, and then the Beginners Reef forum for all the mistakes that will and could happen, enjoy!...Welcome to MR!