[fishnut]

For measuring specific gravity, forget swing arm hydrometers, and those costing less than $ 20.

For accurate results in measuring this important parameter, a Tropic Marin floating hydrometer or a good quality refractometer is your best bet.

You will also need a heater and powerhead for your make-up saltwater.

A quality test kit for testing alkalinity, such as Salifert brand, is probably a good idea. You may also want to get a calcium test kit at some point.

An battery powered air pump is good to have on hand for emergencies (read power failures) and they don't cost much.

A couple of books which I have found to be invaluable for reference when choosing livestock are: Corals: A Quick Reference Guide by Julian Sprung, and Scott Michael's Pocket Guide to Marine Fish. Always research before buying to amke sure you can provide for the animals' needs.

A quarantine tank will save a lot of grief and expense in the long run. It can double as a hospital tank, and is easy to set up with water from the display tank, a heater, a small outside power filter, and some PVC pipe for hiding places - no substrate or live rock.

A plastic container such as the ones for keeping small reptiles, with the lid with the slits in it, can be used for catching your fish without netting, or for isolating a troublesome fish temporarily from its tankmates.

These are just suggestions which have worked for me - setting up the tank and buying the livestock are just the first step - I believe we have a responsibility to do everything we can to keep our charges alive and thriving for the long term.