Thinking about a Saltwater tank but not sure where to start? Well they are too beautiful not to have one and can provide for hours of enjoyment and viewing pleasure. But before you leap without looking here are some thoughts to ponder.

Do lots of research! Then do some more! Knowledge is power. It will save you lots of headaches, frustration, and expenses and out right failure. Don’t get your information from just one source, check out several. A good LFS can be a great place to pick up info, but remember, they are in the business to sell products and make money and some will have their interest more in mind than yours. There are many styles of tanks one can have, from a Softy tank to a SPS tank. The type of Tank you want and the critters you will want to keep will dictate the types of equipment needed. Once you decide what type of tank you want, you will be able to wade through the endless array of equipment and choose the ones that best fit your needs.

Make sure before the first dollar is spent that the livestock you wish to keep is compatible and the equipment will be adequate for supporting your chosen livestock. Proper prior planning is the best road to success. That cute little 2 inch polka dot Panther Grouper will get to about 27 inches long and will make short work o “Nemo” the Clown Fish! While that Clown Trigger is drop dead gorgeous at 2-3 inches, it will quickly grow into the “terror of your tank” and brutally abuse less aggressive tank mates, not to mention add a majority of your “Clean Up Crew” to the menu as well.

Patients. Have lots of patients. Saltwater tanks take time, time for everything. Nothing good happens in a saltwater tank fast, only bad things happen fast. This is the hardest part of the hobby.

Are you a Procrastinator? If so this form of the Aquarium hobby may not be for you. Saltwater tanks require periodic maintenance, water changes, filtration cleaning, water testing and a long list of other task that MUST be done on a regular basis and more often if needed. A well thought out tank will keep the “maintenance” to a minimum and allow you more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Join a Reef Club. This is a great way to meet other Reefers, share knowledge and trade notes. Reef Clubs usually have several “experts” that can help you with questions, help you solve problems when things go wrong, help you get set up and running full speed ahead. Having a “mentor” is a most indispensable asset in no uncertain terms.

When you have a plan formulated and its time to go out and buy the equipment, don’t skimp on quality. No one is a bigger tight wad than me, but seriously, buy the highest quality and most reliable equipment you can. It will pay off for you in the long run. “Bargain Basement” equipment may save you a few bucks but if it fails or malfunctions, or your “cheap” test kit gives you a false test reading, it could cost you your tank, your live stock or possibly cause a fire and burn down your house.

Get a Quarantine tank and more importantly USE it! Most saltwater species are very sensitive to many of the medications and remedies sold at the LFS and cannot be used in a Saltwater tank. Therefore prevention is the key here. By putting all of your livestock in QT for several days to ensure its healthy will help you avert potential disaster. There are a number of maladies, and other “nasties” that once you have them are just about impossible to get rid of or cure. A simple 10 gallon tank, cheap filter (with no carbon if meds are being used), no substrate, a heater and thermometer and adequate lighting if needed is all that is required. This is one case where less is better. Rest assured it will be the best 50.00 you ever spent!

In closing, Saltwater tanks aren’t really all that difficult or complicated, but they are however, very unforgiving when you make a mistake. Every Saltwater tank is unique and different as no two tanks are a like. What works for me might not work out the best for you. There are a lot of ways to have a successful Saltwater tank and very few sure fire ways to a bad one, but if you follow the above advice you will be well on your way to a new and exciting experience in aquarium keeping. Good luck!