Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have always loved saltwater reef tanks but have always been afraid about it not working out and worried if the slitest thing goes wrong all the fish and reef would die.... is it as difficult as this to keep a reef tank? i also heard that you have to let the tank go 3 months before being able to put anything in it in order to get the water right...is this what you did first starting out?

please help me out on this one!

p.s. i loved the pic of your reef in the last post!

k

I know that you posted this message for Tony. However I have been keeping reef tanks since the mid 80's and its not that hard at all. No you don't have to run the tank for 3 months before you add animals. Most of the time I tell people to wait at least a month before they start putting corals or expensive fish in their tank. You need to cycle the tank first. People also call it seasoning your tank. This period is called the nitrogen cycle. After that time you can slowly add corals,fish, and other creatures. Look around on the internet there is tons of info out there.

I also work at a place that makes aquariums for reef tanks. If you would like I can give you an idea of what you would need to start a reef tank. If you would like to get the address of the company I work for let me know and I will give it to you.

I would have to agree with Mark. It is not that hard if you educate yourself first. If you go into it thinking you will learn as you go it will cost you quite a bit in mistakes. Initial set up is not where the money stops, everything is exspensive. Not trying to scare you away from it but they are as addictive as the frogs.

TonyT

I had a 5-gallon reef tank. It was very exciting with a plethora of diverse creatures. I go to www.nano-reef.com. My tank is listed under "Cube's Nano reef".

-cobaltblue

You should look at www.wetwebmedia.com. Its FULL of information on all aspects of fish keeping.