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any saltwater aquarium folks?
#361013 12/15/11 09:59 PM
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I'm thinking about setting up a small salt water aquarium in the 40 gallon range. Looking for ideas for filtration, lighting, etc. Would like to have a little bit of coral and a few fish.


-David
Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
terzaghi #361015 12/15/11 10:11 PM
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Just don't do what I did, about 12 years ago, when I set up my first salt water aquarium.

I was careful about everything. Studied a lot. But I added fish too fast. The filtration system was able to keep up ok, but one of them had a bad case of "ick" or what ever you call it. On fresh water fish it is the small white bumps caused by parasites. I would treat them with a mixture of quinine that I used to be able to get from a pharmacist.

I treated them with something I bought from the pet store. It didn't work, so I tried something else. Oops.

I haven't looked at products in 12 years either. I remember for filtration, I had 2 systems. The undergravel system with something made of ground up coral for gravel (I think), and a box filter that hung on the back of the tank made for salt water tanks that had a filter that spun when the water passed over it. It was all about getting the most surface area for bacteria to grow on.


Last edited by CatBrat; 12/15/11 10:27 PM.
Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
CatBrat #361016 12/15/11 10:36 PM
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Thanks for the input. Lots of money can be spent. I've stopped by a few specialty fish places and hey all want lots of $$$$ to set up a tank. I'm thinking I can figure most things out on my own and then make the trip to the specialty shop to get rocks, sand, and water.


-David
Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
terzaghi #361020 12/16/11 12:33 AM
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I bought a 10 gallon aquarium for my son back in April. Long story short. Went through over a dozen fresh water fish. We couldn't keep them alive. The last one (catfish) went belly up a month ago and they are pretty hearty! My son lost interest which I can't blame him. Went through the whole issue with 'ick'. Everyone I talk to goes through the same disappointment with aquariums. A co-worker told me last week that he lost all his tropical fish and coral in his 70 gallon salt water aquarium.
Spend your cash on home entertainment products not fish.
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Shaun

Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
Rock_Head #361023 12/16/11 12:42 AM
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Reef Central is your friend. Read lots and ask questions.

Also look for a local salt water aquarium club. There is nothing like having people local to you that you can talk to. Reef Central used to have an index of clubs throughout the US.

Salt water is chemically more complex than fresh water and more care must be taken to maintain water quality.

Corals cover a wide range from fairly hardy to very demanding of high light and current conditions to remain healthy.

Careful of advice from stores. Many are more interested in selling you lots of 'stuff' than in keeping things alive long term.

If you decide to go ahead and want more detailed info, let me know.


Fred

-------
Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
Rock_Head #361024 12/16/11 12:44 AM
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My son has had his 10 gallon aquarium for 4 years and the goldfish we had in it just died a month ago. The 3 yr old goldfish my youngest son has in his aquarium are still going strong. I knew they would eventually die, if nothing else due to the fact that goldfish never stop growing at least internally, eventually they outgrow their space and die.

I ran 48 and 60 gallon aquariums for years and had very few problems. The best fish I had were Oscars, I bought them when they were about 2" long and we had them for about 4 years, we had to get rid of the aquarium and the fish were were about 8inches long and weigh in just shy of a pound.

I have always wanted to try a saltwater aquarium, I would make sure it is as large as possible(easier to care for) and have it up and running for a good month before adding the first fish, It will most likely die, then add another, if it lives add maybe 2 and see how it goes......


Jason
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Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
jakewash #361026 12/16/11 01:14 AM
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Thanks Fred, I'll check out the link. My wife is the one who wants an aquarium (for Christmas). I think she wants salt water but not sure.


-David
Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
terzaghi #361032 12/16/11 01:51 AM
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This tank and setup is unbelievable. I'd hate to see the hydro bill.


The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
Ya_basta #361034 12/16/11 02:16 AM
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On of the most interresting setups I had was an upper and a lower tank, where in the bigger upper tank I had 2 oscars. In the lower tank I kept my goldfish. Once ever couple of days, or so, I would net some goldfish and throw them in the oscar tank and watch the chase and swallow. Lots of scales floating around. Those oscars grew to about 12 inches long before I gave them to a fish store.

Re: any saltwater aquarium folks?
CatBrat #361041 12/16/11 02:56 AM
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Clean clean clean clean clean clean the coral sand before you put it in the tank.


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