| Here's some help for the new Reef Keeper to | | | | opportunity to build up your collection of corals to |
| avoid costly mistakes when starting Marine Reef | | | | add to that new Dream Reef Tank. Research |
| keeping. Before you start purchase a good book | | | | your livestock, feeding, lighting requirements, and |
| from a reputable marine shop. There are plenty | | | | compatibility with other tank mates. If buying on |
| available, just search the Internet. I know books | | | | the web save on postage by purchasing multiple |
| are very expensive but this purchase alone will | | | | items together, livestock is very expensive to |
| save you time, expense and prevent you from | | | | ship. |
| making some big mistakes. Reading useful threads | | | | Find a reputable local fish shop. These will give you |
| on a forum will give you priceless help and | | | | free information, check your water parameters, |
| information. Posting relevant questions that you | | | | and only sell you what you are ready for. I would |
| are unsure about will save you money. There are | | | | advise finding a local fish supplier from magazines |
| no dumb questions, just costly mistakes. | | | | such as Marine World. I would personally avoid |
| Research equipment, make sure you are getting | | | | other shops as these may stock many other |
| what you want and more importantly need. There | | | | varieties of fish such as freshwater, koi and so |
| is nothing worse than buying something and later | | | | on. Marine shops specialize in marine keeping. |
| finding you can get a better item cheaper, or to | | | | obvious really. I would try a few in your area and |
| find you never needed it in the first place. | | | | find the one you think is best. Don't be put off by |
| Remember this Hobby is very expensive and | | | | the cost of this hobby, it is worth every penny, |
| mistakes cost lots of hard earned money. By | | | | truly it is. Always consult someone about health of |
| saving here and there could save you hundreds. | | | | livestock as soon as you notice anything strange. |
| Just think, you could buy them prized corals, fish | | | | Contact your Local fish shop or fellow reefers on |
| and invertebrates with the money you save. | | | | forums who will help. You may loose livestock if |
| Buy live rock, don't get grotto rock or glass rock, | | | | you don't. |
| it is ugly, sharp and a waste of money. I | | | | Something i have done and costs nothing, Is to |
| purchased glass rock to save money on live rock. | | | | keep a diary of all the livestock and accessories |
| This cost £25 for a box. It ended up in the | | | | you purchase with a date of purchase. This is |
| bin! That's two to three kilo of live rock. Don't | | | | very useful and helpful. Keep a diary of all your |
| rush into putting livestock into your tank until it | | | | levels such as, Salinity, PH, Nitrate. Magnesium, |
| has fully cycled, I know you want to but it truly | | | | Alkalinity and Calcium. Take photos every few |
| isn't worth it. You don't want to loose all the | | | | weeks and watch your reef grow, it's great to |
| money you spent on livestock. | | | | see things develop, grow and mature. I Have |
| Start small and build up to that all big admirable | | | | compiled this article to help save fellow reefers |
| reef in your living room. This gives you time to | | | | time, money and negative effects of the |
| learn about this fantastic hobby, mistakes wont | | | | environment. I have made many of these |
| be as costly. Starting small gives you the | | | | mistakes myself and felt they are worth sharing. |