Question: Around Christmas or next year I am planning on getting a saltwater aquarium. I have had freshwater aquariums for a few years. I think I’m ready to move on to bigger and better tanks.

Do you have any suggestions as far as what kind of fish I could put in a 30 gallon aquarium? What kind of coral or algea-eating fish could I have? I’d like some Clowns, Crabs, Shrimp, Lobster, Clams, Coral, Eels (maybe), and lots more!! I know of an octopous that can get to only 3″ that I found for sale online! I think I could get a few.

Don’t judge by the size on the aquarium please, as I might get a 130 gallon aquarium. I’m very excited so please don’t rude my joy.

Answer:Good for you. There is nothing better then relaxing at night and watching my salt water tank. The fish have a lot more personality, and are more fun to watch.
But..
Sounds like you have a lot of research to do. Octopus and lobsters would really be neat, but they are nocturnal and will dine on your tank while you sleep (the octopus is also an escape artist). Crabs and shrimps come in a lot of different varieties (non-reef safe and reef safe) so you’ll have to choose them according to whether you want a fish-only or reef tank. Eels cannot be housed with anything smaller then it’s mouth and are also escape artists.

Reef tanks require a lot of time making sure the right nutrients are in the water, as well as refugiums, skimmers, sumps and metal halide lighting. All marine tanks require a lot of water flow to keep them healthy and the bigger they are, the easier it is to maintain them (although a lot more work when doing water changes).

Take a look at established tanks at as many marine stores as you can get to and pick your favorite tanks. Then find out what is involved in the care/maintenance/set up of each one.