How to Plan a Saltwater System

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com Guides

Once you have decided what kind of system you want to set up, review our checklist of items needed to start an aquarium. Combining item choices information you obtain from this checklist and your system starter book(s), make a shopping list. Taking the time to write down brand name, style, price comparison (you can compare prices and shop online in Top Aquarium Products) and other product information is very helpful here, because these factors will most likely play a role in your final decision when it comes to buying many of the items on your list.

Step 4: Start Buying What You Need

Once you have made your decisions and come up with a final list of all the items you'll need to set up your new aquarium, start shopping. However, keep in mind that the saltwater aquarium hobby is supposed to be enjoyable. If you cannot afford to do so, don't overtax your wallet and stress yourself out by trying to buy everything all at once. It may take a little longer to put things together, but it's easy to plan out a simple budget, allowing a certain amount of funds to be spent each payday until you have what you need.

The photo above is of Ed Herandez' 120g Reef Tank.

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• Step 1: Decide What Kind of System You Want
• Step 3: Make a Shopping List
• Step 5: Make a Species Community List

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