Yo!!

I hail from sunny San Diego, Ca and I am gathering info on how to start a native tank. I have a few fresh water tanks going, but I am a total newb to salt. What do I need to get things going in the right direction?

Welcome we now have 31 members! wooh. Ummm ill let one of the more experienced members help you. make sure you have a chiller that can bring the water to probably 55 degrees Fahrenhite because this is coldwater. And I know that California wildlife and fisheries is EXTREMELY protective of their animals. We do have a person from San Diego here who can probably help you out so hell chime in.

Hello!!!!!! You'll have a great time at TR!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the forum!

Anything from San Diego coastal waters won't need to be that cold but i would suggest 60 at the max. I don't know what state things are in the information center but i would check there and then of course check our resource thread. Chillers are indeed essential. You will also want to get your tank cycling immediately as the cycle does take quite a while longer in temperate aquaria.

Where do you plan to collect? I would PM c-rad on here or on NR for legal information although i do now that others on NR contradict what he says. The best sources are the government sites themselves.