Newbie Step #1)Plan!

[nvrtubr8]

I enjoy this post as I am currently planning my reef setup.

I use to have a saltwater fish set up in the early 80's. However, back then state of the art filtration was called a trickle filter (could not afford one). I was using a reverse flow U/G filter and every few months I took down the tank to give it a thorough cleaning!!!!

Needless to say this was a frustrating hobby. Advice from the LFS was mostly bad, wild caught fish were sometimes poisoned and eventually I got sick of it all (and so did the fish).

However, I've always kept tanks, ponds and critters that live in them since I was a kid and I always wanted to go back to marine tanks. The conditions for me to go back had to be 1) There had to be actual science behind the processes, products, food etc... for any item I would purchase 2) Impact on wild reef and its inhabitants had to be minimal 3) I would not need to be wealthy to afford this hobby.

I feel we are coming closer to solve the first two issues. The third issue can be alleviated with some DIY. I have been reading and informing myself for the past year. Bought a few books & magazines, read posts in areas such as this and read advice from leaders in the field from such source as reefkeeping online magazines at reefcentral and reef.org.

There is now some real science behind feeding, filtering, lighting and many other issues that once were 'guestimates' or opinions from diverging parties.

I am still about 6 months to a year away from starting my set up (partly due to budgetary constraints) but I would add my voice that the best advice to start a marine set up (reef or fish only) is to educate and inform yourself. You'll find half the fun is actually in planning! More importantly, the impact you will have on natural reef ecosystem will be much diminished as you appreciate the importance of keeping your own miniature ecosystem.

I would like to thank all those on these board who spend the time to educate us newbies.

Good reefing!