Whats needed to convert BW to SW tank?

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Puffx2

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Oct 24, 2005
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I'm toying with the idea of converting my 20 gal brackish tank to full marine. I know I'll have to purchase a protein skimmer and powerhead. I also intend on raising the SG slowly until I get it at optimal levels without killing off the cycle. However, can my extsting gravel substrate and fake rocks/plants be used for marine fish? Is sand a must for a SW tank? I have an internal filter which recommends against using sand. Is fake rock also a no-no?

Anything else I should know before I go ahead with the switch?

Thanks in advance
 
Do I need a protien skimmer if I have a filter? This would be for a fish only tank.

Thanks
 
A protien skimmer is by no means a must for a salt water aquarium as long as the filter works goood enough for the parameters to be good it is fine. a wet/dry a power filter and a canister filter would all be fine for a salt water tank. the main difference between a skimmer and a filter that uses bacteria is that the skimmer removes waste and the biological filter breaks it down into non toxic forms.
 
sorry didd'nt get this in my first post. the plants and decor is fine exept tht the fish might find it a little strange. keep the rocks you have and add about 5-10 pounds of live rock and don't use the plants. the live rock is'nt a nessasity but it looks good and willl seed your tank with algae. as for the substate wht you have now is good as long as long as you don't get fish that like sand such as gobies.one more thing you should no is that you should not put too much fish in that tank.the socking level I go by is: "0-3 inches = 5g
3-6 inches = 15g"
I have these" " around the last few words as I read that in the innes fish book also it would be a good idea to stock by the adult size of the fish.
 
Last edited:
dorkfish said:
sorry didd'nt get this in my first post. the plants and decor is fine exept tht the fish might find it a little strange. keep the rocks you have and add about 5-10 pounds of live rock and don't use the plants. the live rock is'nt a nessasity but it looks good and willl seed your tank with algae. as for the substate wht you have now is good as long as long as you don't get fish that like sand such as gobies.one more thing you should no is that you should not put too much fish in that tank.the socking level I go by is: "0-3 inches = 5g
3-6 inches = 15g"
I have these" " around the last few words as I read that in the innes fish book also it would be a good idea to stock by the adult size of the fish.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help Dorkfish. My stocking plan is to buy 2 small false clownfish and let them pair up. I also might add bicolor and some snails.

Although you suggest LR, do you think it will seed in the gravel substrate? I guess it's worth a shot.

Peace_
 
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