Setting up a 20g long

[clear_glass]

Hello, after donating my last freshwater tank to a local nursing home and thinking I was getting out of this hobby ( or is it an addiction? I forget ) I came across a 20g long tank, glass canopy, Filstar XP2 canister w/ factory media & generic light for $50. (great deal or what?)

The tank was set-up as a FOWLR before. Now, I know nothing about keeping salt water critters, but I have had a few very successful freshwater set-ups over the past 20 years. I plain to start setting this up in October. I know it's small, but I had a hard time talking my landlord into letting me set this up. ( he has 5 SW tanks, the smallest being 180g)

Just a few ?'s

0. Do I do a FO or a FOWLR?
1. Where do I start??
2. Is the filter ok?
3. Along with the current created by the filter, do I need any X-tra power heads?
4. Playground sand or crushed coral?
5. What watt heater?
6. I know I'm very limited on stocking selection, but could I get some input on what I could put in it?
7. What are some other equipment I need to be looking into?

I know, I'm rambling but ya gotta start somewhere right? There will most likely be other questions coming later.

Thanks for taking the time to read something you probably read to often.

[Grins]

1. Only difference is one has live rock. If you have enough live rock it can be your filtration. I prefer the live rock even if it is just a little bit because it gives your fish something to swim around. It is a personal preference provided you're not keeping something like a ray (which you won't be) which would be hurt by the rocks.

2. Not familiar with the canister but good chance it will be fine. As I said above you could also do without and if you have enough live rock.

3. Yes, ignore the current by the filter and shoot for 10x turnover in a FO/FOWLER. The extra the filter adds will only help.

4. If only chosing between those 2 I'd go with Southdown Sand. However, my first choice would instead be aragonite. You don't need the live kind but a small bit of it would help if you won't have live rock.

5. You want about 5 watts per gallon. When possible try to break that up into 2 different heaters so you have a safety back-up.

6. Nano fish and some small inverts such as shrimp. This site is a good place to start looking at nano fish. Find what you like and then ask us about compatibility or other ideas: http://liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=2124

7. Take a look at this link as well, it gives my ideas on what a newbie needs to consider getting when starting up a tank: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118995

[clear_glass]

Grins, thanks for the reply.

Ok, so how many pounds of live rock for my 20g long?

Aragonite, forgot about that. I'm guessing the amount would be what...1-2 inches?

5x20=100w, so I should get 2 50 watt heaters?

My light is a 40w so I'm ok there.

As far as fish & inverts go, is there a "fish per gallon rule"?

[Grins]

Guideline for live rock if you want it for filtration is 1-2#s per gallon. Consider that some rock is more dense than others so you'll need less rock if you get Marshall Island versus say a Tonga Branch which is very dense.

I went for 2"+ of live sand. However, some people prefer a deep sand bed 4"+ and some prefer a bare bottom. It is a personal preference in my opinion although you'll find it a hotly debated point on many boards.

Yes, I'd get (2) 50w heaters.

How much light you need is really dependent upon what you are going to stock. Some species are photosynthetic and need intense light to survive. If you're having fish only this isn't an issue.

There are few guidelines for saltwater yes but it is merely a rough guideline. Some will say 1" of fish for every 2 gallons. Some say 1" of fish for every 5 gallons. However the problem with that it doesn't take into account the body shape or how active some species are or their diets. An anthias isn't that large of a fish but it needs a very long tank due to how active they are. A mandarian or scooter dragonette are both small but their diet is typically made up of only pods and they need a large tank and fuge to keep up with them. So on how many fish....think about what you like, don't worry about setting up a specific amount and we'll help you cull your list down to a few stocking suggestions.

[clear_glass]

Thank you so much, big help! :thumbsup:

[clear_glass]

Well, after doing some research I've discovered that this is going to be over my $500 budget. Grins - thank you for your time and knowledge, but I'm leaning towards setting up a freshwater tank with this 20g long. It seems to me that my tank size it too small for a saltwater newbie like myself, small mistakes become big and faster with smaller tanks.

[Grins]

Aww that is a shame. You could probably start on a nice nano for the $500 if you shop around.

[Marcus Fenix]

I agree with Grins. for the budget you mentionned, you can definitely set up a nice nano. just take your time and shop around, SW is worth the time and patience.

[clear_glass]

Seriously? After pricing around I'll post my shopping list and ask some recommendations.

[clown-lover]

I think you could a really nice nano for that.. But you have to dig for the deals.. And be patient and don't go for the first you see.. Check craigslist.com, ebay and some of the off sites. Also one of the things that I have yet to experience is but is widely recommended.. Find a local reef club..

[Grins]

Yes, seriously. As clown-lover said you can find some good deals you just need to look and practice that thing many of us lack..patience.