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From: kerry@ctvax
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: Fish Questions
Message-ID: <51700006@ctvax>
Date: Fri, 3-Jan-86 11:37:00 EST
Article-I.D.: ctvax.51700006
Posted: Fri Jan  3 11:37:00 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 7-Jan-86 03:49:10 EST
References: <1513@ihlpg.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:ihlpg.UUCP:1513:ctvax:51700006:000:2229
Nf-From: ctvax!kerry    Jan  3 10:37:00 1986


Marine tanks are very different from freshwater aquariums. I have had a 30
gallon and presently own a 55 gallon. The biggest problem with marine animals
and aquariums is that the creatures are not very adaptable to rapidly changing
conditions. This is obvious considering the size of the body of water they 
reside in naturally. So, in considering a tank size, it is best to purchase the
largest one that you can afford. This is taking into consideration that water
quality changes occur more slowly in a larger volume of water. I have read 
books that tell you not to even try anything below a 30 gallon. This may be
good advice, but if you are very careful, a smaller tank may be used. I have
kept several anemones, crabs and two Atlantic Seahorses in a 10 gallon tank.
Your best bet is to start out with a larger tank until you become more skill-
ful in marine biology.

As far as costs go, the larger the tank the more expensive everything will be.
I have invested about $250.00 for my 55 gallon, and I consider this a miracle
in itself. I practically bought everything on sale or at a ridiculously low
price. The tank for instance was only $99.00. A pet store chain here in Texas
had made a major purchase of these 55 gallon tanks, hence the low price.
Compare this with $149.00 I paid for my 45 gallon freshwater tank a year ago.
I would say if you got out for under $300.00 for a 30+ gallon size set-up,
you would be doing great.

As far as good books, read everything you can get your hands on. Almost every
author has had a different experience or new ideas. Some good ones to start 
out with are: "The Marine Aquarium in Theory and Practice" by Dr. Cliff W.
Emmens; "Marine Aquarium Guide" by Frank de Graaf; and Saltwater Aquarium Fish
by Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod and Warren E. Burgess.

As far as care, the marine aquarium requires a lot more than the freshwater.
A dead animal that has gone unnoticed or that died while you were away could
pollute the water and cause serious problems. If you are given to week-long
excursions quite frequently, you might train a neighbor, spouse etc., in 
the maintenance of the aquarium.

If you have any more questions, feel free to send them by E-mail.

Kerry Williams
ctvax!kerry