🚀 go-pugleaf

> > I presently have two freshwater aquariums, and I am interested in
> > starting a Saltwater aquarium.
> > 
> > Can anyone give me info on how to get started, a good book(s) for
> > reference, and a good size tank to get started? 
> > 
> > I have a few more questions:  What is an approximate cost for a set-
> > up, and is it possible to go on a week vacation and leave the
> > aquarium unattended for that length of time?
> 
> tRY a ten gallon tank for starters. Get a couple of Clown fish;
> they're beautiful and fairly hardy (I'm talking saltwater stuff).
> 
> Go to your local reputable Fish store; one that has LOTS of salt
> water fish, and a store that's been around for awhile. They're the
> best data source.
> 
> I definitely would NOT recommend leaving your fish --at least salt
> water types--for a week at a time. Those cheapy "feeder blocks"
> you can buy are just that--cheap and not too healthy.

I definitely disagree with the small tank idea -- salt water fish are
unbelievably sensitive to water changes. I ran a 55 gallon salt for about a
year and finally gave it up because I simply couldn't keep the water good
enough in the time I had. I'm now back to freshwater. Small tanks are for
experts. The more water you have, the safer it will be. I would recommend AT
LEAST 100 gallons for a first tank.

As far as cost: Even though I already had a complete 55 gallon freshwater
setup, I ended up running a bill for over $200 to convert it to salt -- this
included a new UG filter, power heads, a Magnum pwer filter (HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED for fresh or salt) and things like water test gear, salt, my
initial coral (this gets REAL expensive and I ended up buying a fair amount
more before I was done), salt, etc... My total investment over a year sans
fish ran $350, more or less (a lot of it is in use for my fresh tank now,
fortunately).

Cost of fish is significant. Stocking a $55 can run you an easy $100. My tank
usually had a Lionfish (about $25), a tang or two ($10-15) and a few damsels
($5). If you want inverts, plan on a special invert tank. 

Saltwater fish require active feeding. Live food once a week doesn't do it.
Tangs require lots of vegetable material, and that stuff needs to be removed
after a few hours. Lionfish really want live food (plan for a 2.5 gallon
feeder tank somewhere and live goldfish). You can't just use flake food or
feeder blocks, you have to spend time to make sure your fish eat.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of a salt tank. I miss the color that you
just don't get in a fresh tank, but you need to be willing to make the
maintenance of your fish your priority. I simply didn't have the time. Before
you make the investment (and you ARE making an investment here) make sure
you're going to be able to keep it going.

-- 
:From catacombs of Castle Tarot:        Chuq Von Rospach 
sun!chuq@decwrl.DEC.COM                 {hplabs,ihnp4,nsc,pyramid}!sun!chuq

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