14 year old - what type of tank for first one?

[abcha0s]

The difference between fresh water and salt water is the hardware and the chemistry.

The chemistry can be hard to perfect, but isn't all that difficult to understand. Essentially you need the right amount of good stuff and as little bad stuff as possible.

The hardware is a whole different story. A good deal of maintaining a healthly tank is dependent on the hardware. A good percentage of knowledge required to succeed is in selecting and maintaining the proper hardware.

The is an acedemic hobby and requires extensive research. That was one of the main appeals when I got started.

This hobby would be great for a self motivated 14 year old provided he knows what he is getting into. I would be very supportive of the initiative, but make him do some serious research before giving the final go ahead. Equate the costs to an extra curricular activity. The benefits are similar.

You might want to ask (on this forum) if anyone in your area would be willing to show their tanks and talk about the setup. I expect you will get some invitations. If your in the SE (or don't mind the drive) I would gladly volunteer.

You definitely started down the right path by posting here. Just keep in mind that these tanks are a journey, not a destination. People here can help keep you on the right path as wrong turns in this hobby tend to cost money.

One final note - keep an eye on these forums for used equipment. Whether new or used, never make an impulse purchase as you will always regret it (and likely pay way too much).

Have fun!

Brad

[Scuba Diver Gal]

Thanks Brad,

I feel he is ready for the commitment and he has been researching like crazy. He wants a reef tank with corals and some fish - and seems to want the fish that won't work in a 30g nano tank. He is a wealth of information about fish, corals, reefs, etc. He has been scuba diving (advanced open water, rescue diver, etc) since he was 8 years old and it is remarkable to me how he knows all the fish, how they live in their habitat, etc. He always amazes fellow divers on our dive trips, he carries all these fish encyclopedias strapped onto his arms etc... In fact, he spent some time last year in Little Cayman at the Marine Research Institute...he is a fishy guy

I think he is ready and we understand it is very complicated and takes patience...

I am going to Concept today and hopefully we will figure something out. It is going to be a xmas present so we have some time...Thanks for the offer of coming to see your tank and set up. I may take you up on that after we go to Concept today.

[Xadieu]

My suggestion before you start off with the whole set up is to plan a budget. Ask other experienced people regarding equipment and such. You may want to spend extra money on equipment such as lighting, pumps, filters, sumps...etc You want to be happy with the equipment you get at the end of the day because trust me you will always want something better. Fish and coral dies, equipment doesn't (eventually dies).

Cheers and Happy early Christmas present to your son

He will love it for sure!!

Tan