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Starting Marine Aquarium

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James Arrowsmith

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Sep 19, 1996, 3:00:00 AM9/19/96
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Hi!
I've new to marine fish keeping, but have had some success with freshwater
(community tank and breeding guppies and swordtails).
However, I don't want to have the same problems as when I started
fish-keeping (i.e.. overstock, overfeeding).
So, some questions,
1. Should I go reef or fish only? Is it possible to convert fish only to
reef?
2. What tank should I get, up to a width of 50"? I considered getting a
HIGH 'cause it would provide more stable water conditions, but would enough
light reach the bottom for a reef tank? How about with Metal Halides?
3. What fish would be best to start with? I was thinking about clowns and
damsels, but I want a schooling fish, yet also one that will get along with
others.
4. What filtration would be best? Berlin style is ruled out because live
sand/rock is not available here. How much would I need? (please give type
of product rather than make, as not everything is available here, though
recommendations on make are appreciated)

Sorry about all the questions, but where I live (Hong Kong), the shops are
anything but helpful!
Thanks a lot,

James

Gary V. Deutschmann, Sr.

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Sep 20, 1996, 3:00:00 AM9/20/96
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"James Arrowsmith" <jam...@hk.super.net> wrote:

>Hi!
>I've new to marine fish keeping, but have had some success with freshwater
>(community tank and breeding guppies and swordtails).
>However, I don't want to have the same problems as when I started
>fish-keeping (i.e.. overstock, overfeeding).
>So, some questions,
>1. Should I go reef or fish only?

Start with fish only with the intention of moving up to a reef as you
gain experience, buy products and animals accordingly toward your
goal.


>Is it possible to convert fish only to
>reef?

As long as you plan ahead with the intention of building a reef
aquarium and not buy incompatible non-reef fishes.

>2. What tank should I get, up to a width of 50"? I considered getting a
>HIGH 'cause it would provide more stable water conditions, but would enough
>light reach the bottom for a reef tank?

Volume not height is the most important feature, the more water, the
more forgiving and easier to maintain. Unfortunately, the larger you
get, the more it will cost to build up to a reef.

>How about with Metal Halides?

Metal Halides are great, expensive and HOT!

>3. What fish would be best to start with? I was thinking about clowns and
>damsels, but I want a schooling fish, yet also one that will get along with
>others.

Damsels are a good cycling fish, but will not live with other reef
fishes very often. Damsels are cheap, and will make a good showing
while you are getting your tank set up and running smoothly. But, you
will have to get red of them before moving in the reef fishes.
Percula's ideally should be kept with an anemonie.
The number of fishes to select from is enormous, unlike a freshwater
community aquarium, reef fishes that are compatible with one fish are
not compatible with others, so you need to figure out ahead of time,
which fish suits your fancy the most and build from that species other
species that are compatible with your favorite, plus with each other.

>4. What filtration would be best? Berlin style is ruled out because live
>sand/rock is not available here. How much would I need? (please give type
>of product rather than make, as not everything is available here, though
>recommendations on make are appreciated)

Where do you live? Almost everything is available by mail order!
Live Rock will be a MUST if you are building a reef system.
You definately will need a protein skimmer marine or reef.
You may or may not want to start off with a wet/dry of homebrew make,
so you won't be so reluctant to pull it off-line when the time comes
to move from marine to reef.
All of my saltwater tanks use a specially processed eggshell
substrate, FREE, but lot's of work to prepare for aquarium use. But
then I always was the strange one around here.....

>Sorry about all the questions, but where I live (Hong Kong), the shops are
>anything but helpful!

I guess I should have read your whole article before replying, I have
been to Hong Kong a few times myself and saw some beautiful reef
tanks, I think you need to hunt around a few more shops or get out the
old scuba gear, and head toward polynesia or marianna.

>Thanks a lot,

> James

TTUL
Gary


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