Here's some help for new aquarists to avoid costly mistakes when starting marine reef keeping.

Before you start purchase a good book from a reputable marine shop, there are plenty available. Just search the Internet. I know they are very expensive but this purchase alone will save you time and money and will prevent you from making big mistakes. Reading use full threads on a forum will give you priceless help and information. Asking relevant questions that you are unsure about will save you money.

Research equipment, make sure you are getting what you want/need. There is nothing worse than buying something and later finding you can get a better item cheaper. Remember this Hobby is very expensive and mistakes cost lots of hard earned money. By saving here and there could save you hundreds. You could buy them prized corals, fish and invertebrates with the money you save.

Buy live rock, don't get grotto rock or glass rock, it is ugly, sharp and is a waste of money. I purchased glass rock to save money on live rock, cost £25 for a box. It ended up in the bin! that's two to three kilo of live rock.

Don't rush into putting livestock into your tank until it has fully cycled, i know you want to but it truly isn't worth it, again you don't want to loose all the money you spent on livestock.

Start small and build up to that all big admirable reef in your living room. This gives you time to learn about this fantastic hobby, and mistakes wont be as costly. Starting small gives you the opportunity to build up your collection of corals to add to that new bigger tank.

Research your livestock, feeding, lighting requirements, and compatibility with other tank mates.

If buying on the web save on postage by purchasing multiple items together, livestock is very expensive to ship.

Find a reputable local fish shop. These will give you free information, check your water parameters and only sell you what you are ready for. I would advise finding a local fish supplier from magazines such as marine world. I would personally avoid other shops as these may stock many other varieties of fish such as freshwater, koi and so on. Marine shops specialize in marine keeping. obvious really. I would try a few in the area and find the one you think is best.

Don't be put off by the cost of this hobby, it is worth every penny, truly it is.

Always consult someone about health of livestock as soon as you notice anything strange, contact your Local fish shop or fellow reefers on forums who will help. You may loose livestock if you don't.

Something i have done and costs nothing, is to keep a diary of all the livestock/accessories you purchased with a date of purchase. This is very use full and helpful. keep a diary of all your levels, salinity, PH, nitrates. magnesium, alkalinity and calcium.

Take photos every few weeks and watch your reef grow, it's great to see things develop, grow and mature.

I Have compiled this article to help save fellow reefers time and money. I have made many of these mistakes myself and felt they was worth sharing.

For loads of tips advice and reviews visit my reef aquarium blog. You will find links to reefing forums and other reefer websites and blogs.

created by Gareth P