What kind of tank????

[pisces]

Okay, went to the LFS yesterday. Asked lots of questions. And now here I sit. My boyfriend really wants to do a reef tank. I am intimidated by this. I as thinking FO. :fish: Is a reef tank really as scary as it looks? The owner of the LFS made it sound easy, but he is also making money on this, so ...Anyway, what do you guys think? I really like the look of the reef tanks, and I have no problem with maintaining the tank, I have cichlids now, I'm just so afraid I'll kill everything! :rip: Thoughts, opinions. And if we do a reef tank, what is a good size for a beginner? I know bigger is more forgiving, but too big is also scarier! Besides, if it is too big, we are concerned about the floor supporting it, since the basement is beyond unfinished, and not a good place for it!

[Paidbychrist0825]

well, slowly easing int reef is a bit easier than straight into reef. first, you should go FOWLR( fish only with live rock) then, put in a couple of corals, once you have levels where they should be for a healthy reef tank. then, you can add more, and keep the levels steady, as more corals will take more calcium, and other elements faster. then , just keep the levels steady after each addition, and then just build on from there:)

[Charles Poole]

The only trully healthy and successful Marine tanks, are reef tanks.

Calling them easy is an understatement, but not really that far off.

They require attention to detail, and no slacking on maintenance. If you don't mind doing water changes, and the cost of livestock, then you will likely do quite well.

They are not as hard as some may think, but can be if you don't do the proper research before purchasing anything form equipment to livestock.

I personally would like to have you as a fellow hobbyist, as coming to the forums shows that you will do what it take to keep these tanks. Good luck, and welcome to Coralforum.com. :)

[Paidbychrist0825]

sorry crlkeep i snuck in on stealth mode.

[Charles Poole]

To clarify what I mean by Reef Tank, is a tank that uses Liverock and/or Livesand as the main biological filtration device. FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) are also reef tanks, but I agree with Tom, get some experience with water quality management before trying to keep corals or sensitive inverts...

[MikeS]

I agree also....however I might add that if you are planning a reef in the future, than choose your equipment and fish accordingly.....this may be a bit more expensive initially, but will save you a lot of $$$ and headaches in the future as you make the switch.

MikeJS

[Charles Poole]

Absolutely Mike.

Design the system for your future plans, then all you will have to do is add the critters you want to keep... :)