Tips for beginners

From ReefPedia

Tips for the Beginning ReefKeeper

Patience, Grasshopper.

Good things come to those who wait (and research). Only bad things happen fast within the glass walls. This hobby is very addictive and we all want that beautiful reef we have all seen pictures of. Those reefs started slow, and what is seen is the fruit of patience and dedication. You too can have that reef, build a solid foundation and work slowly up, or everything could topple down.

The lawnmower Blenny, salarias fasciatus, may not eat in captivity. Make sure you see one feeding in the store before you buy it!

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Careful where you get your advice.

The "local expert" at your neighborhood aquarium store may be a local, but probably isn't an expert. The problem with getting advice from your LFS (local fish store) is that there's a definite conflict of interest there... many times, the employees work on commission or are pressured to sell certain items. And all too often, what's good for the aquarist and what's good for the aquarium store are completely different.

There are many places online to get information and advice. A quick Google search will turn up plenty. Of course, if you're reading this, you've already found Reef Sanctuary

With this new found knowledge, you can now go out to the LFS's prepared to filter out bad information, and I know you will find the right place, that gives good advice and cares. This is the store you should visit frequently.

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Find some local HOBBYISTS.

These are the "fish geeks" the guys at the aquarium shop hide from when they come into the store. These are the true experts. The fish geeks in your local aquarium club (visit MASNA.ORG to find one in your area) will become an INVALUABLE resource for information, equipment, fellowship, and possibly even FREE frags! If you're a beginner, find and associate with local hobbyists. You'll find that they are strange, but very friendly in a "fish geek" kind of way.

Anthias are delicate fish with specific care requirements. Wait until you have some more experience in the hobby.

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Be prepared to spend in order to succeed

Research your purchases carefully, and try to spend wisely. Whether you spend wisely or not, you will definitely spend. If you're not sure which purchases might be wise, ask your local or internet fish geek friends. Remember, its better to spend once (even if it costs more) than to buy twice! (like a cheap item that doesn't work, instead of buying the right equipment the first time). Smaller tanks can require less expenses in terms of equipment, livestock and supplies, but they can also be more difficult to maintain at optimum conditions because of the small water volume and rapid changes that can occur.

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Plan your tank carefully.

Take a look at different sized tanks, get an idea of what type of items you would like in your tank, research those items, and write down all the pieces of equipment you will need to keep these items.

Do a little window shopping and develop a cost sheet for the hardware. Do not skimp on the hardware. The "I will upgrade later" method costs far more in the long run. Once you have an idea of what you want to accomplish, post it in the forums for constructive criticism.

Many people have had, or have the hardware you are considering and may have valuable input. The descriptions of products can be deceiving. Remember, "manufacturers" want your money, and there may be some exaggeration on claims of performance.

The coral reef is a very large place. One of the most common mistakes new aquarists make is to try and put everything they find attractive into their aquarium. Reef aquariums are already very crowded with life by comparison with the water volume they contain.

Therefore, it is an extremely good idea to understand several basic concepts:

1) that coral reefs consist of many types of zoned habitats and it is a good idea to try and replicate a small specific area or habitat with the type of organisms found there (a biotope).

2) Many coral reef species, particularly corals, can grow much larger than the largest aquariums and they do not stay small in small tanks. Consequently, small tanks will require removal, or pruning, periodically. Because of the potential size issues, it is better to choose fewer species and let them grow rather than buying many species and having them run out of room. Furthermore, large mature species tend to create a more realistic tank than having many small colonies in a "bonsai-like" fashion.

3) Be sure to carefully consider the rate of growth when purchasing a new coral. Some corals such as star polyps, mushrooms, and zoanthids grow quickly and are difficult to remove once established.

Never buy any livestock without knowing its requirements FIRST! Not every tank provides suitable habitat for every organism found in fish stores. Many organisms sold in fish stores are not currently able to be kept alive for any length of time in any tank, and should not be purchased, despite what vendors may tell you.