Considering salt water, help me decide!

[nynikki]

I have a 30g fresh water planted tank. I lost most of my stock in a crash and I'm seriously starting over. What would I need to convert this tank to a salt water tank? I'm asking so I can get a realistic estimate on cost.

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

Nikki

 

[AquatiCreations]

It all really depends on where you want to go with it, Reef setups are more costly due to Lighting,and extra equipment to Increase water flow.

But the Basics are:

A good saltwater test kit- 30$
Hydrometer-15$
Salt-Variable Pricing depending on Brand and amount.
Substrate-again Variable
Live Rock- Variable

You may or may not need to upgrade your filtration depending on what you want to do with the tank, the same goes for lighting. Of course if you add a Sump,Skimmer, or anything fitting that bill, the cost of the setup will increase significantly.

 

[fsn77]

It's hard to give a good estimate as to how much it will cost without more details about what you're looking to keep in the tank. But, it's not unusual for costs to run anywhere from $40 - $60 / gallon (and it's not difficult at all to go higher). This will, of course, depend on the quality of equipment selected, whether or not anything is bought used, and if you're into DIY-ing.

 

[nynikki]

After some reading, we decided to take the plunge. I guess we'll figure out the bill later... such a bad way to think!

 

[powerkit]

BEWARE...For the path you are about to take shall lead to certain destruction!!!
(LOL, Labyrinth Quote)
I'm JK, SW is awesome. I said I'd never do it, saw a coral I like and set up a 10 gal, which quickly turned to 20... Now I have 4 SW and only 2 FW!!! Hehe, it is addictive, seriously, there is such cool unique stuff for a SW setup. Once you get the hang of it, its not any more difficult than fresh. Do your research on what you want and learn everything you can about it, and be dilligent with your water changes, you should have lots of success, if you are patient. Cant wait to see your pics and what you decide to do!!!

 

[Lycanthropic]

Go brackish! Its in the middle, and definitely not as expensive to set up as sw