Thinking about starting a saltwater tank

[aquasteph]

I recently went to an aquarium by the beach and it got me dying to start a saltwater tank. I have a 55+ gallon tank that's empty right now. Currently I only have brackish tanks. I was just wondering, is it even POSSIBLE to get sea stars (starfish)? I'm falling in love with anemones and from what I've read it is possible to get your hands on some of those. I absolutely adore sea stars though and would love to have some.

Does anyone know where I could get some?
Can they live in the same aquarium as anemones?

I'm very excited. :) But I know it will take a while to get it prepared. :( Ugh I hate being patient!

[Miltonic]

before you start, I suggest do a lot of research on keeping SW and from the sound of it you want a reef, which needs even a lot more research. I wouldn't suggest anemones since they are very delicate and need a very established tank to survive in. Go slowly everyone has drilled me with this since I just started my reef tank and its very hard to go by it but it pays off.

you can read my journal ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]) and see some of the process and equipment you'll need

[fins_n_fur]

You might think about buying two reference books to help you figure things out. These two seem to be highly recommended:

1. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists (Microcosm/T.F.H. Professional) by Robert M. Fenner
2. Ultimate Marine Aquariums: Saltwater Dream Systems and How They Are Created by Michael S. Paletta

[aquasteph]

yeah I'm prepared to start slow. I will definitely do my research first. Thanks for the tips on the books, I'll see if I can get my hands on those..:ssmile:

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

There is also an article in the article section here on how to setup a marine tank that wouldn't be a bad place to start either.
Another great book is The New Marine Aquarium - by Michael Paletta.

[AABatteries]

Research, research, research! And more research.

Also, sea stars don't have that high of a survival rate in aquariums.

[rageybug]

Most anemones are very difficult to keep and might even outgrow our tank. Many people see the perfect SW tank as having an anemone with a clown fish living in it but this is not a realistic goal for most SW fish keepers. Anemones need proper lighting and supplimental feedings too stay alive. They are also a potential money pit if they decide to attack fish, coral, etc.

However, if Nemo is not your dream fish, there are some non-photosynthesis anemones out there. I keep two Warty Rock anemones in my 70g. They stay small, cost very little and can thrive without high $ lighting. Also, once they find a home, it is rare that they will move.

Here is a link to a photo... [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[aquasteph]

aw your anemone is rad! I love it. Thanks for the picture. I'm planning on piling myself down with plenty of research before I even think about cleaning the tank out. Sounds like it can be a lot of work, but I'm definitely one for being happy with the end result of hard work. :) Sad to hear sea stars don't have good lives in captivity, they are so brilliant and rad to watch. But I would hate to take a sea star from his big beautiful ocean.

Thanks guys for your advice, keep it comin!

[kaybee]

...Sad to hear sea stars don't have good lives in captivity...

Depends on the type. Serpent stars and brittle stars are generally very hardy, the more attractive types (linckia's, etc) less so.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Agreed. Serpants and Brittles are very hardy and will last a long time in a tank, you just likely won't see them very often as they are nocturnal feeders. Most other species of Star simply starve to death in home aquariums.

[tim k]

Check your local library out for the books suggested , my library had both and I am next in line for one of them.

Tim K

[aquasteph]

ohhhh yeahhh the library!

all i want is a brittle star!!
that's what i was thinking of.
they are so adorable.