[Hollywood]

Hi, I am new to the board, and to the hobby. I have, in the past, had some freshwater tanks, but I was not serious and just bought fish I liked the look of.

Anyway, for awhile now I have been wanting to get into the hobby of saltwater. I have an older 10 gallon tank and was thinking I may try and use it to see how much I enjoy the hobby and then decide to upgrade down the road. With a ten gallon tank, can I really do anything saltwater wise?? I was thinking maybe one or two clownfish at most. I would like at least 2 fish in it, possibly 3 (they have to have a buddy right?).

Do I have to use real live rock?? Can I use the fake stuff they sell at like petco or do they need live rock? I have read the 'sticky' at the top (I don't remember the name) but was just kind of curious.

[Hollywood]

I also think stores like petco may keep their fish in a 10-gallon tank........but then again, they aren't full grown. What about a clown-fish? I read 20gallons at a 'buy your fish online' store.

[Hollywood]

and how do I get rock to look this these?

Nano Cube Aquarium Kits: 6 & 12 Gallon Nano Cube Aquariums at Drs. Foster & Smith

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

Not sure if the sticky was this one or not: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium
If not, then you want to read this to get an idea of what is involved.

The 10 gallon tank is suitable for only very small fish. By that, I don't mean to include Anemonefishes. No clowns in the 10. You are limited to very small Gobies and other such fishes. When it comes to the 10, there are very few fishes that should be kept in there. The 10 might do better as a reef tank with marine life for a 'nano tank.' There are books to guide you on what kinds of marine life is suitable for such a tank.

For fishes of some of the best types, you want to have no less than a 45 gallon aquarium. That would be suitable for two Anemonefishes.

When it comes to marine fish tanks, there are MANY LESS fish inches per gallon than in the freshwater tank.

The larger the aquarium, the easier it will be control the water quality. The bigger, the easier it is to maintain steady water conditions. That doesn't mean the smaller size is not to be used. It just takes more attention and care with regards to water quality.

Good luck!

[Hollywood]

well then I guess my idea of starting with my old ten to see exactly how much work would be involved and makign sure I enjoy the hobby before I spent alot of money was not the best idea..........that sucks.

[Hollywood]

yea, I read the FOWLR one........lotsa of good info in there, glad you took the time to post it, and help me here!