I've always been interested in aquariums. My dad had a great fresh water tank while I was growing up, but frankly, freshwater doesn't hold a candle to SW. I can really appreciate how natural and attractive some of these aquariums are. That being said, I have been skimming this forum and there is CLEARLY a lot to learn. My wife and I really enjoy the bright reefs and brighter fish and I really like bright lighting. We recently moved to AK and this first winter may be tough, so a bright aquarium may help to liven things up from time to time! That being said, I will be living in a newer housing area but power outages aren't out of the question. Emergency planning is essential for me!
I realize the need to go slow. I wanted to get opinions from some of you pros regarding live rocks and live sand. It seems to me my best bet is to get the sand, rocks and plumbing and let the tank work itself out before adding anything else living. I imagine the most important part is introducing the rock and sand to a tank that has all the necessary "plumbing", for lack of a better word. I've read a few articles but there's pieces of the puzzle missing. I'm a visual learner, so anyone who knows of a picture that really lays out the sump, filtration, refugium etc. would be an awesome resource for me. Reading the articles and having a visual to refer to really helps me connect the dots. This initial stage seems to be the most difficult to me, but obviously I want to know how to maintain the tank once the roots are set, so to say. Also, articles for water quality testing and maintenance are a must for me! I'm looking for a tank around 55 gallons and I have one in mind from PetCo that comes on a stand with what I hope is plenty of room for the plumbing and supplies. We also have a store locally that specializes in coral and SW fish.
Basically, I want bright organisms that like bright lighting. I realize that may not work, and I won't be stubborn if I'm told it's a bad starting point. I know this hobby can be pricey. I've dealt with an expensive hobby in RC planes, it's pretty frustrating traveling to the field only to realize you've forgotten a key component, having a mechanical failure or worse, a crash. However, with this I get the oppurtunity to display this hobby and my wife is actually excited to get involved! Any resources and especially any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
I realize the need to go slow. I wanted to get opinions from some of you pros regarding live rocks and live sand. It seems to me my best bet is to get the sand, rocks and plumbing and let the tank work itself out before adding anything else living. I imagine the most important part is introducing the rock and sand to a tank that has all the necessary "plumbing", for lack of a better word. I've read a few articles but there's pieces of the puzzle missing. I'm a visual learner, so anyone who knows of a picture that really lays out the sump, filtration, refugium etc. would be an awesome resource for me. Reading the articles and having a visual to refer to really helps me connect the dots. This initial stage seems to be the most difficult to me, but obviously I want to know how to maintain the tank once the roots are set, so to say. Also, articles for water quality testing and maintenance are a must for me! I'm looking for a tank around 55 gallons and I have one in mind from PetCo that comes on a stand with what I hope is plenty of room for the plumbing and supplies. We also have a store locally that specializes in coral and SW fish.
Basically, I want bright organisms that like bright lighting. I realize that may not work, and I won't be stubborn if I'm told it's a bad starting point. I know this hobby can be pricey. I've dealt with an expensive hobby in RC planes, it's pretty frustrating traveling to the field only to realize you've forgotten a key component, having a mechanical failure or worse, a crash. However, with this I get the oppurtunity to display this hobby and my wife is actually excited to get involved! Any resources and especially any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!