Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum and have a lot of questions. I've had fish tanks for over 15 years, but was always a freshwater enthusiast. After years of the "saltwater tanks are too much trouble" mentality, I've finally decided to give it a try, but I have a ton of questions before I start.
Here is a brief description of the equipment I will be using:
75 Gallon tank, Large E-heim canister filter (the one that is made for tanks 100-150 gallons), Large Penguin hang on the back filter, submersible heater w/dial.
Current Substrate: crushed coral (beneficial to buffering PH for my cichlids)
Decorations - lots of holy rock/fake plants
1.)First and foremost, I'm converting what is currently a tank chock full of African Cichlids into my saltwater tank. I have a 75 gallon tank - could I just add the necessary amount of salt to the tank - meaning, keep the 75 gallons of water in the tank, and just add the necessary amount of salt per what the package of the salt says???
2.)Should I change my filter media - or would it be beneficial to keep the media that was in there for my Cichlids
3.)I plan on doing a home-made rock background similar to this one:
http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiygrotto/bndiygrotto.htm
Has anyone used something similar to this for a saltwater tank??? I've done a few of these for freshwater, and don't see how it would have any ill effects on a salt water aquarium, but figured I'd ask
4.)If I'm doing a fish only aquarium, do I have to get a protein skimmer??? I've read a bunch of info online, and get mixed comments on that.
5.)What should I use as my substrate??? Crushed coral - or live sand???
6.)Last but not least - can I use the rock (lava rock, lace rock, and various river stone)that is currently in my cichlid tank, or do I HAVE TO get live rock.
I know I'm asking for a ton of info, but please help me out - this is my first attempt at saltwater, and I'm totally fearful of messing up.
Thanks in advance for all your help
I'm new to the forum and have a lot of questions. I've had fish tanks for over 15 years, but was always a freshwater enthusiast. After years of the "saltwater tanks are too much trouble" mentality, I've finally decided to give it a try, but I have a ton of questions before I start.
Here is a brief description of the equipment I will be using:
75 Gallon tank, Large E-heim canister filter (the one that is made for tanks 100-150 gallons), Large Penguin hang on the back filter, submersible heater w/dial.
Current Substrate: crushed coral (beneficial to buffering PH for my cichlids)
Decorations - lots of holy rock/fake plants
1.)First and foremost, I'm converting what is currently a tank chock full of African Cichlids into my saltwater tank. I have a 75 gallon tank - could I just add the necessary amount of salt to the tank - meaning, keep the 75 gallons of water in the tank, and just add the necessary amount of salt per what the package of the salt says???
2.)Should I change my filter media - or would it be beneficial to keep the media that was in there for my Cichlids
3.)I plan on doing a home-made rock background similar to this one:
http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiygrotto/bndiygrotto.htm
Has anyone used something similar to this for a saltwater tank??? I've done a few of these for freshwater, and don't see how it would have any ill effects on a salt water aquarium, but figured I'd ask
4.)If I'm doing a fish only aquarium, do I have to get a protein skimmer??? I've read a bunch of info online, and get mixed comments on that.
5.)What should I use as my substrate??? Crushed coral - or live sand???
6.)Last but not least - can I use the rock (lava rock, lace rock, and various river stone)that is currently in my cichlid tank, or do I HAVE TO get live rock.
I know I'm asking for a ton of info, but please help me out - this is my first attempt at saltwater, and I'm totally fearful of messing up.
Thanks in advance for all your help