Question For Our Aquarists

[Steve Williams]

In order of priority what are the top five things to take into consideration in setting up an aquarium whether this be a fresh water or a salt water tank

[JackD201]

The Level of the owner's dedication

You have to be part chemist and part vet.

[DonH50]

^^^ What he said. Going salt can be quite a challenge as the critters are generally more picky about conditions, it usually takes a much larger tank as the entry fee (I set up a 50 once, never again -- 75 min and I won't personally do it again with less than 100), a lot of more expensive filtration and such, and much more attention to water quality. So, I would say (not necessarily in order):

1. Time
2. Money
3. Space for tank and supplies
4. Willingness to read and learn about saltwater fish (etc.) requirements
5. Patience!

HTH - Don

[Dimfer]

1. time & lifestyle - it is a commitment
2. type of fish - do you want to keep smaller fish or monster fish.
3. presentation - some people spend thousands of dollars on fish and corals, but won't go the extra mile to make a nice cabinet
4. budget - during and after setup
5. size - the bigger the easier to keep

[Steve Williams]

how big is yours (capacity and measurements)

How do you test your water and how often do you do it

Do you have a reef tank or other

Do you have small or large fish and which ones

sorry for all of the questions but I have never had a salt water tank but always rather large fresh water tanks. Now that I am retired I have wanted to satisfy my curiousity and am picking everyones' brains before I decide about jumping in. I would definitely have a larger aquarium

[DonH50]

None, now. Last salt one was 150 gal, a step up from a 100 gal. I tried a 50 gal; never again (too small).

I tested the water weekly, at least, when I cleaned the filter tank and checked everything out. I used an external filter system (multistage).

Semi-reef; a pump system to keep water moving but not a true reef system.

A mixture, plus some anemones. No lion fish despite their beauty -- owner of the shop I sold my fish to (I was breeding them) had a nasty encounter with one and I didn't want to take the chance.

Lighting is important too, not only to keep everything healthy but also to really bring out the colors. There are some very nice lights out now, though they cost $100 - $300, much more than a standard fluorescent, but the light quality and output is much higher. Of course, the fish are much higher in cost, too. I would love to set up another saltwater tank, but I simply don't have time nor money -- maybe when (if) I retire!

You should pick up The Marine Aquarium: Theory and Practice or some other reference book(s) before you take the plunge (I assume you already have Exotic Tropical Fishes -- most every aquariest I have ever known has that one!). If you have the time, funds, and patience having a good saltwater system is very rewarding.

Enjoy! - Don

[Dimfer]

mine is 1360 indoor freshwater. 120" x 75" x 34". I very rarely test water anymore, maybe once every 3 months or so, or whenever I notice an unhealthy fish. I used to test ph, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia, but now only testing my ammonia. When the ph level is on the high side, ammonia can be lethal. I change 20% water every other week. I have large fish only, 13 asian arowanas, they range in sizes from 20" - 25" - the oldest one was tagged 2003. They have a lifespan of 25 or more years, so it is a long term commitment for me.

I lost a very rare tigrinnus carfish, common pleco and blood parrot about a month ago. A very brief (blink) power outage reset my digital temperature controller and the 2500 watt heater heated my tank to 39 deg C. Thanks goodness arowanas are very hardy. The tigrinnus measured 20" when it died, they usually sell for $1200 when around 12".

here's a link to my aquahobby journey posted at Monsterfishkeepers.com

how big is yours (capacity and measurements)

How do you test your water and how often do you do it

Do you have a reef tank or other

Do you have small or large fish and which ones

sorry for all of the questions but I have never had a salt water tank but always rather large fresh water tanks. Now that I am retired I have wanted to satisfy my curiousity and am picking everyones' brains before I decide about jumping in. I would definitely have a larger aquarium

[JackD201]

Boy, this makes setting up a SOTA audio system look like peanuts.

[Steve Williams]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...ad.php?t=86084

great blog on your project which with all of the photos made for a great read

[DonH50]

An APC SmartUPS is a good investment for an expensive tank. Unfortunately, for all the motors and widgets (sorry to get technical ), you need the better sine-wave approximation of a SmartUPS and not the simpler (cheaper) stepped-sine of a BackUPS for an aquarium. A BackUPS can make motors in the filters and air pumps overheat; don't ask how I know this.

Dimfer: Awesome blog, I think I hate you. Safety tip: You actually need respirators to filter the PVC glue fumes.

JackD201: The routine maintenance is a lot higher on a fish tank, and the expense continues over time, so yeah...