New to hobby...

[ness]

Ok, heres the scoop.

I have kept freshwater for some time now and I want to start a 180 gallon saltwater tank to expand my knowledge and step up to the next level.

Now, I need help from you guys also. I have been reading and will continue reading till this summer. I plan to learn as much as I can then try it out.

What I need to know are, in your opinions, what are good beginner fish. What are the prices on those fish?

Also, I noticed that all the cool lookin fish, like triggers, get very large in size. Is that in captivity or not?

Also, I would like to do a reef/fish saltwater aquarium, but don't the coral or other assorted reef creatures eat your fish?

p.s, are the reef creatures the invertabrates I have been reading about?

[Aragorn]

Hi Ness!

Welcome to Reefland!

Well it certainly great that you intend on researching material before jumping into the hobby. A 180g tank is a nice size tank too. Remember, the larger the tank, the more stable it will be over time(salinity, temp, Ph etc). As for your other questions, may I suggest you post them in the appropriate forums? You'll definitely get more feedback that way. HTH my friend. Again...welcome.

[PerryinCA]

Agreed. Setting up a tank correctly takes a good amount of research. I would highly recommend getting a book to help you. There are some really good ones out right now that will aid in getting the basic knowledge of tank requirements on all levels. Then, use great discussion areas like this to further your knowledge.

As a general rule, triggers don't work well with reef tanks as they prey on the live coral you are trying to keep. So, your first decision as a reefer is "do you want a fish only (predator tank) or a full reef tank?"

Fish can cost anywhere from a dollar, to thousands depending on what you wish to have. Its great if you have experience with freshwater....you already now a little about fish requirements....all you need to do is build on that!

Keep reading on the forum, and ask all the questions you can. People are here, and willing to help. Welcome to reefland!

-Perry

[ness]

Well, I have researched and found out about filtering and basically the kinds of fish there are that you can keep.

I am only 15 so nothing too expensive for me.

Anyways,I will be researching until about June. I am doing this so I wont throw any money down the drain, and have a beautiful display.

[jwtrojan44]

Originally posted by ness; "I'm only 15 so nothing too expensive for me."

And he's setting up a 180!!! Geez Louise! I'm 44 and can't afford a tank that size!

Seriously though, good luck and as stated, do a lot of reseach to optimize your initial success.

Now excuse me while I go and drink to alleviate my depression due to my tank size.

[ness]

JW,

Dont feel bad. I have to work the whole entire summer to get this. You think I like my current 50 gallon?

Hell no...