When setting up a salt water fish tank, it's important to consider which species will be easier for a beginner. Some salt water fish species are very difficult for beginners to maintain, and are better for people who have had their aquariums for a few years. Other salt water aquarium fish are more suitable for beginners, and it's usually better to start off with just fish and wait until later to add live corals or other sea creatures. Before setting up a salt water fish tank, new hobbyists should try to check a few reference books to get some opinions about requirements, compatibility and robustness of the salt water fish species. Some types of salt water aquarium fish are more timid, slower feeding or temperamental, which might not be as good for beginners.
Books that are written by experts usually have some very accurate information about which fish are harder to deal with; and if they have had a tough time a beginner should find it more difficult. New aquarium owners should also wash their new pets carefully when setting up a salt water fish tank to make sure they are eating properly and remaining active. Beginners should expect to treat their salt water aquarium fish for common diseases in their early aquarium days. Again, some books about the salt water aquarium fish can be very helpful, and one should at least learn how to treat "ich and "velvet," the most common diseases. A little research will help to avoid devastating losses, especially with more expensive and difficult fish.
