My Goals

[Rocky06fx4]

I've never had a saltwater before, Figured I would start out small and work my way up... I wanted to start with my 10 gallon and turn it into something that looks like this video I found on youtube. [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

then after I get good at saltwater I wanted to get something like this... This my fav. aquarium I have ever seen.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

So far I figured I need:
Skimmer
Heater
Powerhead
Phosban Posphate remover and live Rock
Saltwater with RO
Live Sand
Invertebrates
Soft Corals
Lighting

Is there anything I'm missing or any advice anyone could give me for my first Salt Water?

[Rue]

10g is a hard size to work with. Usually only exp. SW keeper will play with the smaller nano-tanks...

Your best bet is to start with at least a 30g...much more forgiving...and if you can afford it...a 55g is even better...

If you do get a 10g, you don't need a skimmer...but you should at least have a HOB...

[Drumachine09]

Very well put rue.


The more water volume the more diluted any toxins or other bad things will be, allowing you more time to correct the problem.


The mushrooms in that 60 gallon look like mine! ;)

[Rocky06fx4]

Just wanted to start out small since I would be a novice. Since I have an empty 10 G thought it would be a good start. I agree that 55 G would be my prefered size but I hate to invest all that money on my first SW tank without any knowledge of making one.

[Rue]

...yes, but with tanks smaller is often harder...

My 25l is much more work than my 55g...and I think that kind of difference is even greater with SW...

You should see if you can buy a used system...they often sell quite cheaply since often times there's no market for them...

[Rocky06fx4]

I got your point, i'll just use the 10G for this other idea I had planned. Like some Black Gravel with Plants and in the middle have a Roman Decoration. Thought Maybe white gravel would be better or a combo of half white half black. Which do you guys think would be better for the Roman theme. I would prefer a sand like substrate but my g/f said no... And even though I pretend i'm in charge she's really the one who wears the pants.

[Rue]

...that's nature's way...best not to mess with it...:ezpi_wink1:

...stick with solid gravel colours...

[Rocky06fx4]

A Husband asks his wife to put on his pants, so she tries them on and replies "they are too big" and the husband states "Damn straight because i'm the one that wears the pants in this relationship, so the Wife says here try on mine. The Husband gets the pants up to his knees and says "they're too small" and the Wife quickly replies "and if you wanna get in them tonight you'll take that back"

[Rocky06fx4]

Ok, finally decided White gravel will be my preference. So got that down and many many more questions to be answered.

Is there any white sand that looks like gravel I might be able to slip past my G/F, she knows nothing about fish except the Reef Tank they have at the Dentist office she works at.

[cocoa_pleco]

i hate to say it, but dont go with a 10g. you have little room to work and it gets complete to fast. 25g's and up are the best looking

[Rocky06fx4]

i hate to say it, but dont go with a 10g. you have little room to work and it gets complete to fast. 25g's and up are the best looking Yes I agreed on that I was just talking about a 10G Tropical FW now and was wondering about a white sand substrate that looks alot like gravel.