Scaredy cat here

[Pagan]

Hi, I really want to set up a SW tank. I live with my Mom who does not reallly want a big tank. Our place is small too. The guy at an aquarium place near me was showing me 14 to 16 gal tanks. I was thinking of a couple of clownfish. I have a ton of questions for you all.:11:

Where is the best place to put my tank? How far away from a window should it be? I thought of putting it in the family room so we can both see it but I really can't see a good space for it. I have space in my bedroom, but I would be afraid it might keep me up. I also have a cat. I need to keep an eye on him around it.

I've got a million more questions, but I had better search the site for the answers. Thanks:1luvu:

[MonkeyPox]

Welcome to the hobby!

First and foremost, ask questions and do some research before you purchase anything.
That being said, fishtanks run antithetical to typical instruction. In the case of aquariums, bigger is better. Larger tanks are more stable and easier to identify and correct mistakes. Think of the analogy of peeing in a pool by yourself or peeing in your bathtub. Much less noticeable (and therefore less of an impact on the ecosystem) in the pool :18:

Saltwater tanks aren't necessarily more difficult then freshwater, but they do require some extra research and you're dealing with at least one extra parameter (salt). If you're open, consider a freshwater tank with some very hardy fish.

To answer your other questions- direct sunlight should be avoided for algae purposes. Most people keep tanks away from windows, shade the windows, or place them to the side of windows and some form of backing on the tank to avoid the sunlight.

There are a wide variety of tank shapes and sizes, including some nice stands which have a furniture look to them. Take a look at some of them at your local fish store (lfs), local big box store (petsmart, etc...), or check out an online retailer (DrsFosterandSmith, etc...) for some examples. You might be surprised what you have room for.

[unleashed]

I agree with MonkeyPox, if this is your first major aquarium investment or your first time keeping fish, I would suggest that you look at freshwater tanks first as it will be much easier and (much) cheaper than saltwater.

Have a read of my posts in this thread here: (5th and 9th post down)

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Pagan]

Thanks for the info. I did have a FW tank several years ago. Been there, done that:ssmile: I'm ready to move on. But if it turns out to be really cost prohibitive, I may give go back to FW. But I really like clownfish. I just sent off for a couple books on SW set up and maintenance so I will read all about it first.:1luvu:

[Pagan]

I agree with MonkeyPox, if this is your first major aquarium investment or your first time keeping fish, I would suggest that you look at freshwater tanks first as it will be much easier and (much) cheaper than saltwater.

Have a read of my posts in this thread here: (5th and 9th post down)

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
Ok, just read the Reality check in the link you gave me. Thank you! I will do a LOT more research before I even think about getting a tank. I don'twant to be scared off SW, but if I decide I can't handle it. I will have made an informed choice. Off to read more.

[oldhead]

Nothing to fear, just understand the fundamentals and then plan accordingly. Good luck to you.

[AABatteries]

Welcome!

I'm glad you're asking questions and not just diving in.

Also, MonkeyPox, there are more extra parameters you should monitor on a reef tank. Such as, alkalinity, calcium, phosphate, iodine, and some other stuff I can't think of.

As for location, just keep it out of direct sun light.

You said you were shown 14g and 16g tanks, I take it those were cube tanks. Those seem like a good deal, but if you ever want to upgrade it, it becomes a huge hassle.
If find normal rectangular tanks more fun, set-up wise, because you get to buy more equipment. Which usually means more trips to the LFS. :hmm3grin2orange:

If you don't go with a cube be ready to spend lots of money. Even if you go with a cube, on top of the $150-$200 of the initial cost, be ready to spend around $100 before you get any fish in it.

And in a 14g cube 2 percula or ocellaris clowns would be great. And maybe a clown goby or cleaner shrimp. Plus the clean-up-crew(CUC).

[MonkeyPox]

Also, MonkeyPox, there are more extra parameters you should monitor on a reef tank. Such as, alkalinity, calcium, phosphate, iodine, and some other stuff I can't think of.


You'll notice she didn't say a reef tank, and from her trepidation, I doubt she is contemplating that at this point.

From my perspective, pH and phosphate should be monitored by all tanks, though on a less frequent basis then NH4, NO2, and NO3. You should only test for iodine if you're adding iodine supplements.

[AABatteries]

It never hurts to know more about saltwater. Knowledge is the most valuable thing when it comes to aquariums, IMO.