| It was probably 4 years old when Santa Claus | | | | store with no evidence of dead fish. Look for nice |
| brought me my very own salt water fish tank. I | | | | clean, clear water but most importantly, look for |
| don't remember what size it was, but I'm sure it | | | | well-educated employees that exhibit a passion |
| wasn't very big. The first experience led to a | | | | for what they do and are willing to take time to |
| fascination that has become my life long hobby, | | | | explain any questions or choices that you may |
| passion and livelihood. | | | | have. Remember, you are the customer, and |
| For those of you that have wanted to get into | | | | simple mistakes can be expensive. |
| the hobby, I'm going to explain the "do's and | | | | The aquarium sections of "big box stores" are |
| don'ts" which will help you be successful. Hopefully, | | | | managed by great people that know very little |
| I can assist you in avoiding some of the | | | | about the specifics of being successful with salt |
| frustrations that you may encounter as you begin | | | | water aquariums. With the complexity and prices |
| in this hobby. The first goal is to find a good salt | | | | of salt water aquariums and livestock, the choices |
| water fish store. | | | | can be intimidating to beginners. Although they are |
| Here are the first "do's" to consider: do the | | | | comparably low maintenance pets, keeping fish, in |
| background research required and secondly, do | | | | general, requires some basic knowledge and |
| consider if you have the time and financial | | | | patience. The sensitivity of salt water marine life |
| resources to maintain a healthy marine system. | | | | can be higher than their freshwater counterparts. |
| The first frustration that you will experience is | | | | When you experience a team of individuals who |
| finding a trusted source of educated advice and | | | | have a common passion about their business, you |
| quality products. As you start out on what should | | | | will get the same advice no matter what you ask. |
| be a lifetime of enjoyment, it will only become an | | | | You can leave with comfort that have done your |
| expensive disaster if you don't do it properly. This | | | | research well and have made a good decision. |
| can be avoided by finding the staff of an | | | | With a trusted source for your aquarium and |
| aquarium store that will take time to teach you | | | | livestock and some basic knowledge, you can |
| the basics. | | | | start and adventure with living beauty that will last |
| How do you determine the quality of the store? | | | | a lifetime. |
| The best advice I can give you is to find a clean | | | | |