i have three tanks, all freshwater. im looking to change my 14gallon and give saltwater a try. i have the standard heater, air pump, and filter. what else will i need?
Click on the advice to newbies link in my signature, there is a suggested shopping list there to give you some ideas. Feel free to come back to the thread and ask any questions it might raise.
You needs many things, which can be expensive and/or difficult to make. You need money, a good knowledge of how everything works, time, and patience as well. What else? Hmmm... yeah. Just keep in mind that tank will be like having a dog. Freshwater isn't anywhere near as difficult, so you need the whole mindset and commitment as well. If you can pull that together, then happy reefing!
Personally I think the difference in difficulty depends on the FW tank. I've seen some planted tanks and some discus tanks that people spend more time in a week on than I do my reef.