Aquarium advice

[will?]

I'm 13 and am currently running a 150L reef tank, amongst a number of other aquariums. It's had its ups and downs through the last 3 years or so, but Reef2Reef has been invaluable. So, I'd like to hear any advice you guys have or advice wish you had starting out.

 

[edsbeaker]

Hi, you are already doing one of the things I would advise…you are here! Researching, learning, and asking questions helps a lot. It can keep mistakes at bay and help you to make good decisions that won’t lead to poor outcomes.

My second piece of advice is to make any changes slowly. Fast changes may help with the initial problem but could cause new issues to arise. A mature reef tank has a certain balance and if you tip it too fast in one direction you derail that balance.

My third piece of advice is the welfare of the creatures you are caring for should be of top concern. Make sure you are housing them in the appropriate environment for that creature, be it size of tank, tank mates, type of food, etc. Respect their needs.

Lastly, enjoy the mini ocean that you have created. It’s a big accomplishment especially at your age!

 

[fishywishy]

I wish someone told me how important it is to quarantine fish.

I thought I could just go to the store, pick some fish and put them in my tank and everything would be fine. Nope.

I also wish someone would have told me how expensive everything is.

 

[rc8t6353]

I wish someone told me how important it is to quarantine fish.

I thought I could just go to the store, pick some fish and put them in my tank and everything would be fine. Nope.

I also wish someone would have told me how expensive everything is.

It sounds like you're well on your way. I won't touch the quarantine statement cuz everyone has there own opinion on it. As far as expenses, it can be a little intimidating. Since you're here, try to take advantage of the marketplace for equipment and livestock. That'll help with some of the costs. And as mentioned previously.... Be patient and take your time. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Ask all the questions you can think of. This community is awesome and will assist you in any way we can!

 

[fishywishy]

It sounds like you're well on your way. I won't touch the quarantine statement cuz everyone has there own opinion on it. As far as expenses, it can be a little intimidating. Since you're here, try to take advantage of the marketplace for equipment and livestock. That'll help with some of the costs. And as mentioned previously.... Be patient and take your time. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Ask all the questions you can think of. This community it's awesome and will assist you in any way we can!

I’m not new to this hobby or anything, I was just sharing advice that would have helped me when I was starting out. But thank you anyway!

 

[rc8t6353]

I’m not new to this hobby or anything, I was just sharing advice that would have helped me when I was starting out. But thank you anyway

Lol my bad.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Stay on top of tank maintenance even if you don’t want to do it! A simple late outbreak can get worse quickly if your become lax on your routine tank maintenance

 

[will?]

Hi, you are already doing one of the things I would advise…you are here! Researching, learning, and asking questions helps a lot. It can keep mistakes at bay and help you to make good decisions that won’t lead to poor outcomes.

My second piece of advice is to make any changes slowly. Fast changes may help with the initial problem but could cause new issues to arise. A mature reef tank has a certain balance and if you tip it too fast in one direction you derail that balance.

My third piece of advice is the welfare of the creatures you are caring for should be of top concern. Make sure you are housing them in the appropriate environment for that creature, be it size of tank, tank mates, type of food, etc. Respect their needs.

Lastly, enjoy the mini ocean that you have created. It’s a big accomplishment especially at your age!

I've actually designed my tank around the fish, even if it doesn't give the best aesthetics, but it's turned out really well since everything's healthy and looking great. Thanks for the advice too!

 

[will?]

I wish someone told me how important it is to quarantine fish.

I thought I could just go to the store, pick some fish and put them in my tank and everything would be fine. Nope.

I also wish someone would have told me how expensive everything is.

I think I might start a quarantine tank, but as you said about the cost, I haven't had a whole lot of fish to quarantine, Hahaha

 

[will?]

It sounds like you're well on your way. I won't touch the quarantine statement cuz everyone has there own opinion on it. As far as expenses, it can be a little intimidating. Since you're here, try to take advantage of the marketplace for equipment and livestock. That'll help with some of the costs. And as mentioned previously.... Be patient and take your time. Nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Ask all the questions you can think of. This community is awesome and will assist you in any way we can!

Its a bit hard using this marketplace, since I'm in Australia, so the shipping limits what I can get, or at least if the cost of shipping is still cheaper than buying it in person too. The other issue is a limited number of marine aquariums over here, there just aren't any

 

[will?]

Stay on top of tank maintenance even if you don’t want to do it! A simple late outbreak can get worse quickly if your become lax on your routine tank maintenance

I had freshwater for as long as I can remember beforehand, and I really learnt that then, just that I have to take any advice into consideration and not cut corners. I got a bit lazy on a large native fish tank, and it went downhill, fast! Never made that mistake again, no matter how much I wanted to put it off. Thank you for the tip!