[Mike_305]

I have had freshwater tanks but I really want a saltwater tank. What is an ideal size for a beginner? Is it a good idea to buy a used one? If I bought it new (say like a 40 gallon), how much would the tank and equipment be? What equipment do you need? How do you get the "salt" in the water? Most private saltwater tanks I see are filthy! How often would I have to clean it to keep it clean and how do you clean it?

I would want maybe 3 different fish. What kinds of saltwater fish get along with each other? I also heard it is nearly impossible to keep seahorses alive in a tank. Is it possible? What are some of the average prices of fish? Are there special cleaning fish to help cut down on algae and what kind of live plants and coral can I add? Overall, with the tank and equipment and fish about what price range could I expect to pay (if I got used stuff and got 3 of the lesser expensive fish)? Sorry about all the questions. Even if you answer only one, it'll help!

[Blake]

40 gallons is really tough for saltwater. Get as big as you can afford.

[Vanity]

Buy a submarine.

[FDM68]

Though i don't know I've had many tanks in the past. I've only tried salt water once. The reason I only had one is 1. the expense 2. can be hard to maintain. Once you get it set up though and kept on it their very nice. As above you do need a rather large tank, which sounds counter, vs a small to maintain the balances in the water and to get better filtering etc... Truefully though it's easy to get in over your head and have that "dirty tank" I would do allot of research prior to this endeavour.

[Chowbow]

Insanely expensive. In college I worked at an aquarium store. I had numerous aquariums, including a tank for mated seahorses. They are possible to keep alive, and it's best to buy the tank raised ones. In fact, try to buy tank raised anything.

Expense? If expense is much of an issue I really would consider skipping salt water tanks. Of course, the more exotic stuff you keep the more the costs skyrocket. I had a reef tank with all the lights, skimmers, and every rare coral frag I could get my hands on. Tens of thousands of dollars into equipment and livestock, and hundreds of dollars simply in upkeep per month. Heck, during the summer months my electricity bill could be $500/month with just 1 large tank. Additionally, I got a lot of parts at cost from my work and the connections I made through there. It can get pricey, but I really did enjoy keeping the tanks. A few years ago though I simply became too busy with work, life, and everything else to keep these tanks going at their prime and I parted everything out. Would love to get back into it one of these days though. Good luck.

[carve]

Holy crap- I had no idea they were THAT expensive. Sounds like a dog would be much cheaper and lower maintenaince.

Why are they so expensive? What used $500 in electricity?

[E90SoFlo]

Get a dog. They are more fun, you can teach them all kinds of useless things, and they will always love you.

[number335]

Originally Posted by E90SoFlo

Get a dog. They are more fun, you can teach them all kinds of useless things, and they will always love you.

This...or a realdoll

[Maestro]

Originally Posted by number335

This...or a realdoll

I think the realdoll is going to be part of every thread for a while....

[E90SoFlo]

Originally Posted by number335

This...or a realdoll

That is true, They always love you..

[MisterSkiMask]

Just walk into a shop that sells salt water fish/supplies at look at the miles of pipes, pumps and filtration that they need to keep the store alive. That turned me off quickly.

[Chowbow]

Originally Posted by carve

Holy crap- I had no idea they were THAT expensive. Sounds like a dog would be much cheaper and lower maintenaince.

Why are they so expensive? What used $500 in electricity?

That's probably on the more extreme side. But minimally you're looking at thousands to do it right.

The lights that are needed to grow coral consume about 1500W, and are on 10-14 hours a day. On top of that are about 250W of pumps that are on 24/7. During the summer months, you need a chiller to keep the tank from overheating. That, combined with the A/C for the house, made the bill VERY expensive. Our most expensive month was $715, on a 2300 sq ft 2 story house.

[s2k_335i]

I used to own a large 40+ Gallon tank that house two dragon fish. The electric was outrageous. My normal monthly rate was $300 before the tank and after the tank, it was average about $500 not including summer/winter price.

[just4kickz]

my friend has a huge tank. he hires people to maintain... that being said... must cost a lott

[pc4400]

the initial cost is really nothing compared to the time spent on upkeep.
I have a brackish setup, which is salt, but not enough for live rock. I house some puffers and a scat. Its a little cheap and easier to maintain, no protein skimmer needed.

[MC 357]

http://www.marinedepot.com/
there is a good site with everything you would need for a tank at good prices too.
I had a 30 gal reef tank a few years ago, starting it is hard and $$$ but maintenance isnt so bad, i would say anywhere from $500 for a simple fish only setup all the way to over $1000 for a reef setup.
Also marinedepot has a forum so you can get even more info from super fishtank nerds!

But its a fantastic hobby and i really did enjoy it, i had a reef tank and would spend hours looking at it and cleaning and nerding out on it.

[MC 357]

Also look into NanoCubes! they are great value, especially if you find a nice used one

[Andrew@ET]

I have had a biocube 14 for a long time great tank especially if you buy a modded one from nanocustoms.com

Truthfully i rarely take care of it so its not spotless but it looks pretty damn good for being neglected for 3-5 months.

[///MLOVER]

Saltwater tanks are definitely a lot of work and money! I would check craigslist you can find great deals. I would also definitely check out reefcentral.com all the info you will ever need!! Good luck

[import36]

good thread...as i was looking into getting my first tank set up in the house. i must say i'm shocked at the expense for maintenance/upkeep/etc. i can get over the initial cost of hardware/supplies and everything, but had no idea of the costs of maintaining something like that.

are the costs to maintain a freshwater tank much cheaper? i'm assuming they are. sorry for the noob question, i'm still early in the research.

[apexit]

Way cheaper, if you want colorful freshwater fish look into african chiclids

[Fantom555]

Ive had saltwater tanks for 8 years or so, and have really become an expert of sorts in the matter with all the setups I have had. Ive always kept nano tank, while many people say bigger the better, in some cases is true...but if you are home to do routine maintenance (water change ever 1-2 weeks, feeding, etc), you should not have any problems. My personal favorites are the Nano Cube, and the Solana 34 gallon. Get a used setup on craigslist or a forum...I would give you an estimate of a bit over a grand for everything....statup is pricey....you have gotta remember you need the live rock, sand, salt, filter stuff, fish....and coral if you should so choose to have the lighting for it. Maintaining is really not that expensive if you aren't running a 65G+. Just dont got the route of metal halide bulbs....use the PC to start and if you want to upgrade and pay the money for LED's its almost nothing. Overall, I get 90% of my stuff on Craigslist or forums, I would suggest to anyone to do the same.