[Boznian]

Over the past 4 years I've been using my 10gallon tank on and off each year for tropical fish, due to the fact they died alot. sad.gif

So I was on Craig's list today and saw a Rectangle 20 gallon tank for $15 in my area, just the tank.

So I love how the sea looks and would like to start a salt water fish tank.

What do I need to start?
How do I go about getting the things?
How do I go about installing/starting these items?
How many fish can I house?
Price range?

Please answer back,
Anthony

PS : Msg me on any instant messenger I have if I'm online please.

[Taras1]

Have you looked at the "stickies" that the RB staff have posted? These will give you a good idea of what's involved.

Depending on what size tank, what kind of fishes and inverts, etc, the cost can start at $1-2K. This is just for a setup. Pick up the book The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner. It's a good book which will give you the basics.

Essentially you'll need a tank with overflow, a sump (a tank under the tank for a Protein Skimmer and refugium (a natural filter with algae and bacteria to break down waste products), heaters, a strong light source, and return pump. Inside the tank, you'll need aquarium salt, aqaurium sand (not play sand) and live rock (it's rock which has bacteria and all sorts of critters which help "filter" the waste). Also you can't just add dechlorinated tap water; you'll need to find someone who can supply you with RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/DeIonized) water (essentially distilled water). After setting all this up, you have to let the tank cycle (balance) for about 4-6 weeks and then you can add fishes.