A bit of help?
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Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37771
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Topic: A bit of help?
Posted By: UtahnBirder
Subject: A bit of help?
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 5:04pm
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I am a kid interested in getting a marine tank. My dad really likes them too, but he is a good husband and my mom doesn't want one solely because she is worried about it for when we go on vacation. What can I do about that? Secondly, where is the closest marine fish store to me? (In Logan)
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Replies:
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 5:20pm
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The closest LFS to you is probably Aquatic Dreams or Mountain Shadow Marine. When you go on vacation you'll have to have someone look after the tank while you're away. The one thing I would forewarn you about, is that a marine aquarium is a big commitment, and you'll have to be willing to spend time and money on a consistent basis to keep it going. It is not a cheap hobby by any means. Also you'll want to take things slow setting up, many people who start in the hobby simply drop out because they try to rush the process and kill off hundreds of $ in fish and other livestock. So when you're thinking if buying to lots and lots of research, know exactly what you're getting into, and buy the adequate equipment the first time. This will save you both money and headache in the long term. Lastly we are all here to help so ask any and every question you can think of and we'll all do our best to answer you in a straightforward and helpful manner. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: UtahnBirder
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 5:26pm
| Oh, I've done plenty of research, and I'm still looking about the internet. |
Posted By: becken
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 6:13pm
I just got my tank about three months ago and I didn't realize how big of a commitment it was, its fun so it doesn't feel like a chore, I'm always staring at it to see if I can find new things growing
 and I usually do!! I would say money-wise it would depend on your tank and what you want, like I said I got my tank 3 months ago and spent money getting it set up with lights and rock and testing supplies, but once I got all I needed (if you can resist buying coral, inverts, or random things) I haven't HAD to spend anything yet, I do understand that I will in time, but I haven't ran out of salt or food. Luckily I got a pre-established tank and the ball was already rolling so I did not have to wait AND I haven't killed anything!! So far I like my tank, it doesn't look like most people's who have been doin this for years, but I'm trying to resist spending money and watching my corals/fish grow
I second that! I've had so many questions on here that I either looked up or just asked even if it was something stupid! Everyone is very helpful and can answer almost any question I'm sure. ------------- 75g with 40g breeder, Dion stand and canopy, G4 skimmer, mag 12 return with seaswirl, 2 AI Vega LEDs |
CapnMorgan wrote:Posted By: Desertreef
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 6:38pm
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Saltwater fish are a big commitment, both in time and money. However, they are very fun to watch. Do research before you buy anything. If you think you want corals someday get the equipment you need now rather than going back and upgrading. This will save you time and money. You can look on the form and find used equipment at a good price. As for vacation you will need someone to at least check on the tank feed it and top it off. How much work “tank sitting” is will depend in part on how long you are gone. I have left mine for a week with an automatic feeder and it was okay. As mentioned earlier the closest store is Aquatic Dreams in Clearfiled but I have recently learned the benefits of buying fish and corals from others on the form. Good luck. Come back often. These guys have tons of experience for use new comers to learn from. |
Posted By: Luckedout
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 8:13pm
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Always nice to have another Logan-ite. If I were you I'd go around and look at people's tanks here in the valley before you buy anything. Find the tanks that you really like and take a peak under the stands to see what they have done. I would also recommend looking at this site and ksl.com for cheap used equipment. I'd even say that it would be to your advantage to just buy an existing setup if possible. I thought I could do it cheaper by buying things here and there, but in the end I end up spending about the same amount. The other thing is $$$$. This is by no means a cheap hobby. When you kill a fish that cost you $50-100 it can be quite frustrating. Or when your light needs to be changed and the light bulbs cost you $60. It's worth it! But make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. ------------- -Ben 90g Mixed reef www.body-balancechiropractic.com |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 8:16pm
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I didn't read the posts above but my advise is to take your parents with you and visit about 10 houses with reef tanks in Logan. Make a post on this forum saying "Logan- show me your tanks."
Then you can all discuss the options of having or not having a tank together and get to see real tanks and talk to real people.
Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 10:12pm
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I agree with Adam. There are a lot of great reefers in your area that would be happy to show off their tanks and their knowledge.
Mike -------------  |
Posted By: Spbeyond
Date Posted: January 09 2010 at 11:17pm
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I am in logan if you ever need a hand or a amateurs advice. Most things I can tell you will be directly repeated from what I was told by the guys on this forum.
------------- 90 Gallon Reef w/4 bulb 54W t5 I buy, sell and restore pinball machines. Got one in the basement? ;) |