Looking to start my first salty tank

James0816

James0816

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Feb 14, 2007
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Ok...ready to go for it now that I have another tank. I recently acquired a 55g tank. I'm actually going to use that tank to replace a 46.

I would like to convert the 46 over to salt. Also, I recently found where I can get 60lbs of each live fiji sand and rock.

Now's here were the questions start. I've been doing a lot of reading and I've read where if you have enough live rock, you really don't need to worry about an external filter. Is that true? I do not currently have an extra filter to place on the tank so that would be a benefit.

I do plan on getting a skimmer as that is a pretty important piece to have.

What are the particular lighting requirements that I need to look at?

Can I add live coral to this set up?

I know I am looking at a few anemone's and would like several kinds of fishies and shrimps. Any particular options here?

Now this may be a dumb question, but I am only familiar with freshwater tanks....what do you do with the water from a pwc? I only ask in that with the freshwater we just water plants or throw it out on the lawn for now. Have a spectic system as well. Not sure what (if any) the water from a salty tank would do.
 
Also, cycling. Being that I would have live sand and live rock added, how will this affect the cycling of the tank?

My adding fishies will be extremely slow since this is a new endeavor for me.
 
if you go LPS (which ya should!) i would suggest T5's something along that line

but once you get on the coral, the addiction doesnt stop so MH's or LED all the way man lol
 
Hm. To my understanding, you have already cycled your tank, and now you're adding more? The tank would have to cycle again since you're going to be adding 60lb of liverock. Was the LR from a mature tank? If so, your cycling may take longer imo. The more LR and LS you have, the beter filtration you have, yes. But for such a big tank, many suggest getting a sump but ive heard of cases where people get away with just a strong skimmer and water changes. As for lighting, you can just use T5-HO's since you wont be getting sps or any high light corals anyways. If you want higher light corals, MH's are recogmended. Perhaps two 250w 10k one's? I pour the saltwater down the toilet lol. Dont forget an RO/DI.
 
Conski said:
http://www.pacificeastaquaculture.com/curingrock.aspx

Add corals after this process.

I cant stress it enough the importance of using RO/DI water.

also since your beginner to SW i would start with a pair of clowns and move your way up. with a 55gal you have alot of options.

Take it slow like you said you were going to thats the best option.

(sorry i wasnt as detailed i was short on time) that link will help you alot
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The rock is already cured. All he has to do is let it cycle?..

Conski said:
if you go LPS (which ya should!) i would suggest T5's something along that line

but once you get on the coral, the addiction doesnt stop so MH's or LED all the way man lol
Click to expand...

+1 for MH's and T5's. He'd had to get alot of LED's and optics.. I wouldnt do LED's..
 
James0816 said:
I've been doing a lot of reading and I've read where if you have enough live rock, you really don't need to worry about an external filter. Is that true?
Click to expand...

Yes, with an adequate amount of live rock (and flow), you can avoid having an external power filter (hang-on, canister, etc.).


I do plan on getting a skimmer as that is a pretty important piece to have.
Click to expand...

It's generally a good idea to have a skimmer, especially when you're just starting out. There are, however, many successful tanks that do not have skimmers running on them.

What are the particular lighting requirements that I need to look at?
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Below you mention wanting to keep one or more anemones... Depending on which type(s) you want to have, as well as the corals you want, you'll plan the lighting accordingly.

What are the tank's dimensions?

If it's of a standard size, T5 HO could be a good option and provide enough lighting to house the type of livestock you've hinted at if done properly. Metal halide (MH) lighting is also an option, and has the potential to give you more flexibility with livestock choices, especially if the dimensions of the tank are a little odd compared to the standard sizes T5 HO bulbs come in.


Can I add live coral to this set up?
Click to expand...

With the proper lighting and a good maintenance routine, you can definitely keep live coral in your tank.


I know I am looking at a few anemone's and would like several kinds of fishies and shrimps. Any particular options here?
Click to expand...

Not all fish are reef safe, and with a tank of this size, there are certainly fish that not be happy in your tank. What kind of fish are you interested in? If you need help seeing the types of fish that are readily available, you may want to browse around LiveAquaria.

Now this may be a dumb question, but I am only familiar with freshwater tanks....what do you do with the water from a pwc? I only ask in that with the freshwater we just water plants or throw it out on the lawn for now. Have a spectic system as well. Not sure what (if any) the water from a salty tank would do.
Click to expand...

Not a dumb question at all... Some hobbyists report dumping large volumes of saltwater into drains that go to their septic tanks and having no issues at all. Others report having issues with their septic tanks after pouring saltwater into them. I would speculate that it has to do with how much freshwater goes down the drains in their home compared to the amount of saltwater. To be safe, I would find a spot in the yard where you don't want anything to grow and pour the water out there. The saltwater will kill your grass, shrubs, flowers, and so forth.

I hope that's helpful... Please feel free to post any other questions you have, and everyone seems to love tank updates that include pix!
 
+1 to everything fsn77 mentioned. While a mechanical filter is not necessary, I have found the addition of a simple HOB filter (I would look into an AquaClear 110) provides an easy way to add filter floss to remove larger debris from the water and filter media like carbon/Chemipure Elite or whatever you might need. The filter also adds some extra flow to the tank. The other option is to add a sump which most would say is the preffered way to go (adds more water volume and a place to add a refugium, filter media, heater and skimmer out of the display). Speaking of flow you will want to look into some powerheads. A lot of people use Koralias because the provide a nice flow patter and are fairly cheap. If you can swing it go for a Vortech MP20 or maybe an MP10 depending on what you are looking to keep.

I would suggest T5HO lighting as well. They will grow pretty much everything except more demanding SPS and you may have trouble with clams if your tank is deep. If you want SPS corals (or think you will) go with MH lighting but I would suggest a MH/T5HO or MH/power compact combo so you can have some nice color options.

Clowns are nice hardy fish to start with but you really should let your tank mature and get some experience under your belt before getting an anemone.

You have a ton of options and you can make it as simple or complex of a setup as you want. It really depends on what you want to keep so I recommend figuring that out first and then figuring out what you will need equipment wise.

Cost wise just add up what you need then multiply that number by 10. Once you get to that figure, square it and that will be about right :). Enjoy the addiction..um I mean hobby!!!!
 
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