First SW Tank ever - Where do I start?

[mark]

Look through some of the links here, (in Lance's post) visit other reefers to get a first hand look and remember though there are many good Local Fish Stores (LFS) and they can be a great resource, it's their business to sell you stuff.

[Myka]

My best advice, read everything you can!! Spend all of your spare time in the next 2-3 weeks soaking up as much information as possible. Try to get as much information as you can before you start buying equipment. Oh, and one last bit of advice, most of the people in the fish stores have no clue what they're talking about or are just out to sell you something you don't need, so take their advice with a grain of salt. There are a lot of much more knowledgable on these forums than you will find in the fish stores. That is for sure!

Check out the links in this thread: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=22067

[PoonTang]

Read and reasearch. There are a few great books available that will help you out and tons of info on the internet. Spend about 3 months doing your reasearch and go from there.

[tredford8]

the key word is most of the people at LFS don't know what they're talking about. There are some very helpful people as long as you have some idea about what you are looking for. Lots of them don't make commission so it is not necessarily beneficial for them to sell you useless stuff. Some are bad. though. Internet is good for lots of info but can sometimes be confusing when starting out. definitely read lots and try to pick out what would be most reasonable for what you want to keep.

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by Myka

Oh, and one last bit of advice, most of the people in the fish stores have no clue what they're talking about or are just out to sell you something you don't need, so take their advice with a grain of salt. There are a lot of much more knowledgable on these forums than you will find in the fish stores. That is for sure!

This comment offends me. .....Anyway lots of good advice and articles here. Also feel free to ask lots of questions. Welcome to the dark side

[Aquatic Addictions]

Originally Posted by Myka

My best advice, read everything you can!! Spend all of your spare time in the next 2-3 weeks soaking up as much information as possible. Try to get as much information as you can before you start buying equipment. Oh, and one last bit of advice, most of the people in the fish stores have no clue what they're talking about or are just out to sell you something you don't need, so take their advice with a grain of salt. There are a lot of much more knowledgable on these forums than you will find in the fish stores. That is for sure!

Check out the links in this thread: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=22067

Well I must say Myka..For someone who once worked in one fish store I know of, this comment comes off very offensive. Maybe the store you worked in or some you have been to operate this way however not all stores do this or are uneducated. I am sorry you feel this way due to your own experience.

As for the question at hand you have several available options open to you and I am happy that most others chose the correct response of RESEARCH whether by reading, asking questions, or visiting a reputable store to attain your education into this wonderful and addictive hobby. The people here are extremely helpful and kind.
You of course are always welcome to call with any questions AT NO CHARGE Good luck with your endeavor into a fun and exciting hobby.

Dan

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Aquatic Addictions

Well I must say Myka..For someone who once worked in one fish store I know of, this comment comes off very offensive. Maybe the store you worked in or some you have been to operate this way however not all stores do this or are uneducated. I am sorry you feel this way due to your own experience.

I misworded my statement, as is obvious. I meant to say that there are a larger number of knowledgable people on these types of forums (and articles on various websites) then you will find in LFSs. I have worked a combined total of about 5+ years in retail aquatic sales, and I can honestly say at least 75% of the people I worked with had no clue. There are some stores out there where the staff is very knowledgable. I won't name them because I will miss a few I'm sure, but almost all of the stores represented in CanReef's Vendor Forums seem to be quite knowledgable.