150g Salt Water Dream setup, go!

[silvertongued17]

I have inherited a 150gallon long (60 x 24 x 25) aquarium from a friend. The most experience I've managed to gain is in freshwater housing a single Oscar "Tank" in a 75gallon using a sump filter. So I am a very novice keeper, but I would love to dive into salt water as it seems like a real fun ride.

I would like to pick your brains about everything involving salt tanks. From what you would stock in it to filtration and costs. Build your dream setup and let me know the costs, I need some ideas if you want to help.

Also if possible, include a clown fish or two and an anemone in your setup. The wife just loves those little guys, and I figure it'd be easier to get that "ok, do what you want" with a couple clowns.

Thanks again guys

 

[Chicklette]

I don't know much about saltwater but I do know you need a hydrometer to measure the salinity, crushed coral substrate, they need a high ph. I had a brackish tank with a puffer so I had a hydrometer. Also be picky with the salt, get a good quality salt. Mix it in a bucket of tank water, measure the salinity then put it in the tank. Wait a bit, measure the salinity and if you need more salt do the same thing until you reach the right salinity level. Don't just pour the salt in. That's all I know, good luck.

 

[wvcapfan]

been doing saltwater for a long time. saltwater is all about filtration and flow.You have a great size tank for saltwater but be prepared to spend some money. you need a filter that can turn you water at least 4-6 times per hour. you need to decide what type of tank you want. fish only or reef. if you want a reef tank you will need special lighting in order to sustain corals and anemones. this type of tank requires more equipment and much more attention. I have gone with a fish only with live rock and as long as i stay away from predator fish i can have as many inverterbrates as i want i.e. crabs and shrimp. get as much advice as you can on filtration as you can. buy on-line it will save you a bunch of money. I will tell you saltwater aquariums are a thing of beauty and amazement. every creature has it's own personality. you will absolutely love the experience. your fish can live for years as long as you do it right.

 

[xRage10]

My dad used to house my 54 gallon corner tank as a saltwater tank. He never wanted to go with a reef as they can be hard to take care of, but my LFS has about a 75 reef in their store and it's absolutely gorgeous.

As already stated above, it's all about filtration and flow. My best bet would be to go to your LFS and ask the owner to give you some ideas and such. They're your best friends and will be as long as you own the tank and can probably help you out the most. I've asked the owner of my LFS many questions about reefs but I just don't think I'm ready for it yet.

Although saltwater tanks give you loads of options, the fact that you needs to find "reef friendly" fish also is a task at hand. Once again, your LFS is your best friend in this department and will easily be able to help you get some reef friendly fish for your aquarium

I'm just guessing you want a reef since you stated clowns and anemones. I do agree with wvcapfan on this, though. Salt tanks really are beautiful if you maintain them correctly and you'll absolutely love the experience!

 

[Ashlee]

Hey I would post over in the salt section, as most here don't know very much about saltwater. "Filtration and flow" is a broad statement and you need a little more help than that, post in the general salt and we can get you going.