Does everyone tell you something different??

[Joeballz]

Is it just me or especially with aquariums and fish that every one tells you something different? Im new with fish so im learning alot but its hard when literally every fish store or person i talk with tells me something different. Whats funny is ill go to my local fish store and one guy says one thing and then another says something completely different??? I dunno just wondering. So far it seems as this forum has alot of very helpful nice people.

 

[nanoreefer22]

You hit the nail on the head. It's all about finding what works for you from the advice you're given. Everyone that's been around for a while and can offer good solid advice, is going to tell you something different. Some people love HUGE skimmers, some people love testing, some people must have gadgets and those folks will advise you to get into those things. On the flip side there are folks that don't go for huge skimmers, that never test, and like to keep it as gadget-free as possible, and of course those people are going to advise you in that manner.

Just find what works from you and take advice from people that have proof that what they are telling you WORKS. From these people you trust you will develop your own style, at first taking things from each person and putting it to use for you. And as you learn more about the hobby and how things work in your tank, you'll develop your own style.

I don't know if that really made sense, but if it doesn't let me know and I'll try again.

 

[Joeballz]

there is a guy by me that owns a fish store. He has some very colorful vibrant reef setups. so ive been listening to what he has to say because he has proof like you said. i suppose ill continue.

 

[prattreef]

It is not just you part of the problem is that there are many ways to approach things and have success--there is no ONE way to do things. However, each approach has its strengths and weaknesses and IME one of the most important things to learn is what exactly are those strengths and weaknesses and how to compensate appropriately.

Getting a good book or 2 will give you a solid foundation of the various approaches commonly employed and then you will be better able to evaluate the information you are receiving. For beginners I recommend Delbeek and Sprung's The Reef Aquarium Vol. 1 (Vol. 2 and 3 are awesome too, but start with 1.), or Borneman's Aquarium corals.

There is a ton of information on the web and on this site, but it is easier to sift through it all if you have a solid base of information which IMO, is best provided by a book.

I'd also try to come to the frag swap even though you are just beginning. It is a great way to begin to gather info and more importantly integrate yourself into a community of hobbyists.

 

[Breezp]

everything works diffrently for everyone depending on the system that is being ran. I try to stay away from advice at pet stores unless they are very reputable because they are in the retail business and have a tendency to skewer things. Theres more than one way to skin a cat and theres more than one way to keep a saltwater tank, do the research and find the one that works best for you and your schedule and your financial capacity and then just take what you have and work with it. Its a hobby that only gets better with time so theres no reason to rush and not take your time.

The best way your going to learn is through trial and error. I did things many diffrent ways and sometimes ended up finding ways that work better for me and sometimes i found ways that everyone told me would work. This hobby gets better and better the longer your in it and the more you learn and eventually it becomes a way of life. Find what works and take it from there. Eventually all your decisions and information are going to become second nature to you.

 

[Dre]

And don't forget, common sense goes a long way as well.

 

[Chraddam]

The best way your going to learn is through trial and error. I did things many diffrent ways and sometimes ended up finding ways that work better for me and sometimes i found ways that everyone told me would work. This hobby gets better and better the longer your in it and the more you learn and eventually it becomes a way of life. Find what works and take it from there. Eventually all your decisions and information are going to become second nature to you.

GREAT advice. The one thing everyone will agree on is to go slow and be patient. Research, talk, and learn...

 

[Josh]

there is a guy by me that owns a fish store. He has some very colorful vibrant reef setups. so ive been listening to what he has to say because he has proof like you said. i suppose ill continue.

The one thing I can tell you is that a lot of reef stores have beautiful displays but don't provide good advice on how to run a tank. Your best bet is to ask questions here (or search for existing discussions) and see what the majority says. You can always choose to do something different but at least read what several people have to say versus just taking the advice of one LFS owner.

 

[Awibrandy]

With out a doubt everyone you speak to will have their own way of doing things! Some way simple, some way complicated!
Don't let it confuse you, it is what it is. No one will intentionally give you bad advice. With the exception of some LFS.lol
As to "very vibrant coral tanks in the lfs" remember one thing - they have easy access to changing out dying animals for new pretty ones!!!!!LOL

On the other hand do listen, and file away all of the info you get from everyone as you never know what bit of golden info you are getting from the least of those you expect. As well as info gotten years ago could become very helpfull sometime in the future.

Listen, read, and try to implement that which you learn here and there. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY do go slow. Take your time nothing good happens when you rush.

Happy reefing!

 

[Imbarrie]

If you are looking at making an unplanned purchase it is great to have access to a smart phone so you can research it further on the web, right on the spot.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Here is my way of doing things.
Get a tank and stand you like and will fit your future and current needs. If reef ready you need a sump. If not then some sort of filtration.

Substrate if desired
Rock. I like to use some cured and uncured.
Water and salt.
Let it start cycling.
A pinch of food to help it and add heater

Above is all day one

After cycle is complete start your skimmer and lighting cycle along with your powerheads for circulation.

Get your clean up crew and let them get to work.

After a week or two slowly add fish and coral.

After that you can add toys like controllers etc.

 

[Yen]

If you're just starting out and buying live rock from someone tank. Don't add fish too soon. Chances are you get hitch-hikers from those rocks. Keep the tank fishless for at least 6 weeks to make sure the potential ich parasites die off. In the meantime, you can plan on what kind of fish you're going to keep, get them and quarantine them, and introduce them to your main tank once your fallow period ends. It'll be boring and frustrating keeping a tank with no fish but then you won't have to worry about ich later on.

Marine ich look like fresh water ich but it's a lot more difficult and will kill your fish.