Saltwater newbie

[Surgee]

I have been into freshwater aquariums for about 5 years now and i am thinking about going into a salt water tank in a 40. I was wondering if someone could enlighten me on the basic equipment needed and any tips needed. Please note that i want to make a tank with sea stars, sea anenammies, and live rock or coral. Any help would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks

[FreddytheFish]

Other than your basic FW equipment, you will need salt ( :duh: ), a protein skimmer (not totally necessary but highly reccomended), a hydrometer, and a sump or refugium (same as the protein skimmmer, optional but reccomended).

Also, since you want corals and anemones, you will need very powerful lights and water additives.

I'm sure I forgot something, if I remember something I'll post it.

[itstheantitang]

You also will want lights for the corals and anemone. Do not go by the watts/gallon "rule". It is worthless for SPS and anemones. If you choose to keep SPS (small polyp stony) and anems, you will need MH or T-5 HO lights. Some people get away with PC's, but certain anems will not thrive.

Also, I consider a skimmer required. You can go without it, but once you see what it pulls out you will be glad you have it.

RO/DI is reccommended because of the algaes, such as the dreaded but very common cyanobacteria and diatoms, feed off nitrates and silicates in the water.

Quarantine tanks are invaluble too, as you do not treat with meds in a tank that will be a reef.