Need ideas for a saltwater presentation...

Start a small QT tank at the same time.

 

1.Read and research as much as possible before starting/buying anything. Who better to learn from then experienced reefers on these internet sites.
2..GO SLOWLY!! Not like freshwater where you go to LFS and fill your tank with fish in a few days!!
3.Spend more money on good equipment when starting out, the first time around. Then 6-12 months down the road (when you have gained some confidence in having a saltwater tank) you do not have to spend more money buying new/better/upgraded equipment because you now want something more than fish and liverock!! I think lighting has been the largest upgrade expense for me.
4. Plan your fish wish list in the beginning to check for compatiability and order of when each fish should be added. Dont just purchase on impulse to get fish home and find it wont work with what you already have-or that it is known to eat corals.

Hope this helps
jolene

 

JB I would start out with the 3 main aspects of a salt water tank. 
 
1 Water flow
2 Lighting 
3 filtration
Then you could break each one down into different categories!
 1 Water flow.
   a, how much
   b, what kinds
   c,  the different equipment needed
ect...
Just some ideas..
-Rick-

 

You could present highights from Mike Paletta's book "The New Marine Aquarium". Outline the presentation based on the table of contents and then summarize each chapter. It's pretty basic material, but very helpful for those new to saltwater - like me.

 

First I would tell them to make a plan of what they want in a SW tank.

A fish only tank has different needs then a full blown sps reef

 

Posted By jbrunken on 04/20/2009 07:26 PM
The folks at the EIAA have asked me to give presentation at there May meeting in Cedar Rapids.    The topic will be "Basics of Setting Up a Saltwater Aquarium".
I'm a member of the EIAA and will be there...I'm looking forward to meeting you. There are a few regulars at the meetings who have saltwater tanks.

 

I started out only wanting a FOWLR too...