New Marine Aquarium

[mr_alberta]

Welcome to the club and to the forum Matt! Also, welcome back to the hobby!

As far as local retailer for Livestock/Equipment, here is the quick and dirty list:

Local Stores

Aquarium Illusions
16630 - 109 Avenue
http://www.aquariumillusions.com/
Probably the best Saltwater fish place in Edmonton, though some of their prices are a little high in my own personal opinion. The store is very clean and the employees there are quite friendly.

Salt Water Fantasies
15908 - 109 St.
http://www.saltwaterfantasies.com/
I've never been there myself, but I hear he does sell some cheap fish.

Aquarium Enthusiasts
30 Athabasca Avenue
Devon, Alberta
www.aquariumenthusiasts.com
Again, I've never been there, but from what I hear, the staff is friendly and it is quite nice (but small).

Big Al's
3511-99 St.
Big Store, large fish selection. Overpriced dry goods. That's about it.

There's also a store in Sherwood Park, but the name and address eludes me at the moment.

Canadian Mail Order Stores

http://www.jlaquatics.com/
Probably the best place in Canada for dry good/equipment. Fast service and friendly staff.

http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/default.php
I've heard very good things about this store as well for both Livestock and equipment. I believe most of their prices match JL's.

http://www.reefraft.ca
Never dealt with them, but they have a nice selection of livestock.

http://www.mops.ca/
Sells dry goods/equipment only. They carry some things that JL's doesn't (or doesn't list). Very friendly and fast service.

http://www.reefsolution.com/catalog/
I've only dealt with them once through a group order. They do carry some interesting dry goods though.

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/x-cart/customer/home.php
Never dealt with them before, so I don't know what to say here....

For more information
The following sites are great information resources:
http://www.aquariumpros.ca/index.php
http://aquariacanada.com/forums/inde...93cb2d8decaecb
http://www.reefcentral.com
http://www.reefs.org/

There. That should keep you busy for a while

Regarding your other questions, yes, a 46G can be set up to form a stable environment, but you must be dilligent with your maintenance (i.e. waterchanges, water topoffs, etc). The hobby has come a long way in terms of equipment and whatnot to help those with smaller tanks.

As for tips, the best advice I can give you is ask questions, and network with local reefers! It will save you a pile of money in the end with coral trading and getting cheap/used equipment. That's it for now! I swear!