New to SW

N

number1sixerfan

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Sep 11, 2006
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I just bought a 55g tank with the hood and lights all for $100. Great deal, just couldn't not buy it lol. This is my third tank. My other main tank is a 72g with Mbuna.

Anyways, I have a spare fluval 405 and extra 300w heater. What all do I need to keep beginner saltwater fish and reef/corals? I have not researched this at all and once I have an idea of what I need, I'll research a lot more.

Thanks.
 
Hey there..good to see your thinking about branching in to saltwater...

here is a brief list of the things you are going to need...

1) Live Rock - 1 - 1.5lbs per gallon
2) Heater - You already got
3) Protien Skimmer - rated about twice your tank size
4) Powerheads for water movement
5) Saltwater mater test kit - for ammonia, nitrITE, nitrATE, pH, Calcium, Alk and Mag
6) Hydrometer or refractometer
7) Thermometer for the tank - dont buy the stick ones...pathetic...
8) Aragonite suger grade size oolithic sand
9) Reverse Osmosis unit
10) Spare rubbermaid container, powerhead and heater for saltwater mixing
11) Some good books for reference
12) Lots and Lots of patience

That is a basic list of things your going to need. Am sure if i have missed anything off, people will chime in.

Cant comment on the lighting side unless you let us know what lighting you have brought with the tank. When we know that, we can give you some advice as to what you will be able to keep with that fixture and advice on upgrading it if needed...

Hope this helps a little for you..Any questions you have along the way, by all means, just shout up..

Niko
 
Would I have to have a RO unit? What is the purpose of them in a sw tank. I know they are used for better quality water for fw tanks so I assume its the same reason?
 
Tap water is predominently bad for marine aquariums due to the higher levels of nitrates and phosphates, metal particles, choramides which then lead onto bad algae..

RO units generally produce about 95% pure water, RO/DI about 98% pure..We always strive for the cleanest water possible for the marine tank..

I am not saying you cant use tap water, because you can. Its just that you will usully pay the price for it once the algae sets in and your always fighting to get rid of it...

Niko
 
While the above advice is generally accepted, it assumes that you are interested in something somewhere at or between a FOWLR and full Reef setup.

Probably not the case, but:
If you are interested in planted or species/specialty tanks, there are some alternatives worth considering.

For example - if all you want is a panther grouper or some other medium sized predator to throw reds and shrimp pellets at... you might consider a sump or canister filter full of pot scrubbers and rubble instead of having to spend $$$ on LR that will only hide your fish and limit its/their mobility.
 
Hiya mate...

This is the sand i am refering to...

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0930

The sand you maybe refering too could be crushed coral sand. If it is, i would not suggest using it. Crushed coral traps detrius in and under the particles which then generate nitrATES rather than being kept in the water column and removed by the skimmer...

Niko
 
Thanks. We haven't put anything in the tank yet, just water/salt, and a few brineshrimp for kicks until we get liverock. I'll get that stuff out of there, and get some proper sand then.
 
you will be better off in the long run without crushed coral mate...i did the same on first tank..ended up removing it bit by bit as it was causing problems..

This is a good thread for you read through on this subject by Max..

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84360

Niko
 
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