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Introduction: |
I am planning to expand this section to include articles on useful things I have learned. For now, here are some tips for newcomers thinking of setting up a reef aquarium. |
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Advice For Newcomers: |
Mixed fish and invertebrate marine aquariums are by far the most difficult form of aquaria to keep. The vast array of colours, species and behaviours that this kind of system can hold are very tempting but the cost of ownership is high, until you are 100% prepared to undertake the long term time and expense consider trying other forms of fish keeping first. Reef tanks are more of a science than a hobby. Unless you are prepared to spend a great deal of effort studying water chemistry and fish & invertebrate biology DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BUILDING A REEF TANK. Learn as much as you can by reading books, searching out the vast quantity of material on the internet and talking to other enthusiasts and helpful suppliers. Build good relations with good suppliers. There are a few grotty dealers around who keep stock in appalling conditions - don't buy a thing from them - if nobody supports them they will go out of business and stop killing living creatures. Good suppliers have a vested interest in helping you to get the most out of your reef aquarium and will be happy to offer help, advice and healthy livestock. Don't underestimate the cost. A small 48 inch aquarium set up, along with all the necessary filters, water tests, rocks, chemicals and some livestock cost me well over £1000 initial outlay in the UK. Yes, you could set up a tank for much less. There are plenty of reports from enterprising people who have made a success on a lower budget. But to achieve, and more importantly to maintain a really impressive reef display you will need to invest in a very high quality array of filtration, lighting & water conditioning products, as well as the livestock itself. The ongoing cost, both in money and time is also a significant factor to consider. A reef tank takes a long time to mature - you need to build the eco-system in the tank from the bottom up, ensuring that the system is able to support itself before introducing more livestock or more sensitive species. It is unrealistic to introduce fish or invertebrates into a system without a mature biological filtration system (minimum maturation time 1 month with artificial boosters). Invertebrates require exceptionally clean water with Nitrite and Nitrate levels much lower than can be tolerated by most fish, therefore it is unrealistic to introduce even the most resilient invertebrates into a system until the water chemistry is completely under control. Sensitive species such as anemones require an even more mature environment to have any realistic chance of long term survival. |