Answers in redkove32;4814755; said:Alright everyone. I am thinking about getting into saltwater..
I have done some research, and to my surprise, it seems really easy: too easy. I have been keeping freshwater for 12+ years. Everything from Piranha to Guppies, to gobies, to chiclids. I've pretty much exhausted all of the tropical fish I have ever had interest in. Although I have always been inspired by the beauty of saltwater.
So lets see if I am missing anything!
1) I am looking to do a fish only tank. I think for now, until I get experience, this is the best option. I was looking to do a 29 gallon. I purchased a C-360 Marineland Filter that is rated at 100 gallons. I figure that should be more than adequate filtration. I understand lighting is important for reef tanks, but for fish, I heard that it is not as important. Regardless, I am planning on getting a T5 light strip.
Fish only tanks only really need basic lights, however, if you ever plan to upgrade to a reef/anemones you may as well go ahead and get great lighting.
Two light T5 for fish only if you're going T5, 4 light strip if you're doing corals or anemones.
2) I am not too sure what the deal is with sand. Everywhere I looked, it didn't seem to say whether it was needed or not. Hopefully I can get some insight on that.
Sand isn't necessary but it sure makes it look better. Just try to have it no deeper than 1-1 1/2 inches. Anything more and it'll become a nitrate factory.
3) I am familiar with testing PH levels, etc. I think that is pretty basic. Anything differ with salt water?
Not too much different here if you're not reefing.
4) Lastly, would I be alright with two clownfish. I have always admired their beauty and would love to have a few of them in my tank. Would more be possible? Also, do they need a reef to survive?
Clownfish don't need an anemone to survive, and even if you buy one, they still may not take to it. This is prevalent to captive bred clownfish.
Thanks for all your help everyone! I truly appreciate it!
Did I do my research right?
- Thread starter kove32
- Start date
Skimmers and powerheads for sure.
High quality LR if you can.
Midas blennies are my absolute favorite blenny. Make sure that your tank is covered though, otherwise its only a matter of time.
High quality LR if you can.
Midas blennies are my absolute favorite blenny. Make sure that your tank is covered though, otherwise its only a matter of time.
Excellent everyone! Your advice, once again, is unmatched in clarifying the points I was confused with. I have a crushed coral substrate (left over) from my Diamondback Terrapins. They too, like some saltwater fish, had beaks that would benefit from the crushed coral.
So overall I pretty much understand that a FO is pretty basic, and being a experienced freshwater, should be pretty easy.
Likewise, do I need anything for a FOWLR tank? I suppose I could always add some live rock in there as long as they aren't as finicky as reefs.
Lastly, a huge huge huge thank you to everyone! I feel like a little kid again who was setting up his first freshwater tank! Although, this saltwater tank's colors will be beautiful!
So overall I pretty much understand that a FO is pretty basic, and being a experienced freshwater, should be pretty easy.
Likewise, do I need anything for a FOWLR tank? I suppose I could always add some live rock in there as long as they aren't as finicky as reefs.
Lastly, a huge huge huge thank you to everyone! I feel like a little kid again who was setting up his first freshwater tank! Although, this saltwater tank's colors will be beautiful!
BTW, I have a $100 petsmart gift card which I am looking to use up on this tank. Can you guys look at some of the things I was planning on getting and tell me if they are ok?
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754110&lmdn=Fish+Saltwater <--- Salt
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754006&lmdn=Fish+Saltwater <--- Test Kit
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753148 <---- Protein Skimmer
Anything else??
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754110&lmdn=Fish+Saltwater <--- Salt
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754006&lmdn=Fish+Saltwater <--- Test Kit
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753148 <---- Protein Skimmer
Anything else??
Yes.... cycling your tank!!! From setting up my first tank a year ago... I think this was the best advice that I got so I didn't screw it up the first time (as I heard its harder to recover). Cycling you tank is very important. Your bioload has to adjust to what you are adding. I let the tank sit two weeks with light and sand and saltwater. I then added my rock and waited 2-3 weeks (testing water in between). Then I added a few hermit crabs and snails waited 2 weeks then I added a fish. You dont have to go this route there are many different ways to cycle but please look into it. Don't add to much at once, wait a few weeks inbetween fish. I can't say this is the best way for a FO or FOWLR, I was gearing mine toward a reef tank. I just read to many times people adding salt, not cycling, throwing in a bunch of fish and having issues. I am sure someone could chime in to add or correct anything I said.
Instant Ocean salt is a good salt and usually what I see a lot of people use.
I have the same saltwater test kit but the reef version. If you get a reef later you may want to add to it, but that kit should be fine.
The protien skimmer I would do some research on just to get ideas. I cant speak for that as I don't know anything about that one. I know there are a few that petsmart sells that I was told to stay away from.
Do lots of research, listen to everyone's advice and take it all into consideration and dont rush things and you should be fine. It's an expensive initial investment but pretty easy. Make sure you stay ontop of water changes.
I also agree adding life rock for biofiltration is good, just be picky with the type of rock and smell your rock to make sure it doesnt smell like death or nasty. Also be prepared you will get hitchhikers.... it can be a fun experience... sometimes it can be a problem with unwanted critters (usually my case).... but its fun seeing what you get lol.
Instant Ocean salt is a good salt and usually what I see a lot of people use.
I have the same saltwater test kit but the reef version. If you get a reef later you may want to add to it, but that kit should be fine.
The protien skimmer I would do some research on just to get ideas. I cant speak for that as I don't know anything about that one. I know there are a few that petsmart sells that I was told to stay away from.
Do lots of research, listen to everyone's advice and take it all into consideration and dont rush things and you should be fine. It's an expensive initial investment but pretty easy. Make sure you stay ontop of water changes.
I also agree adding life rock for biofiltration is good, just be picky with the type of rock and smell your rock to make sure it doesnt smell like death or nasty. Also be prepared you will get hitchhikers.... it can be a fun experience... sometimes it can be a problem with unwanted critters (usually my case).... but its fun seeing what you get lol.
inssane;4815045; said:Fishy12 - I would like to correct some of your info based on my experience.
-Salinity differs depending on fish and inverts. 1.021 is your idea across the board. Leeway from 1.018 to 1.023 is acceptable and ideal at times based on your livestock.
-Clowns are "Damsel fish" so by nature, can be territorial. They vary in temperment based on species. Common Ocellaris clowns are not too bad, but can still be territorial. Maroon clowns are devils and can get very big. Maroons are beautiful, but need alot of space.
-NO LIONFISH in a 30 gallon tank. Lionfish also have poison in the rays of their fins, so it's not for everyone, and not for a beginner IMO. DWARF Angels should be ok, just one though (in a 30gal). Don't be fooled in the fish store by the pretty blue and white swirled angels that look small, as they typically turn into big and demanding fish (demanding of space and finicky with food). I know that you are leaning away from a reef setup, but fish like triggers and parrotfish for example, have "beaks" as they feed on coral. Butterfly fish are nice too, but need bigger tanks and can be the most difficult to feed.
I would research the fish you would like in accordance to the size of the tank and environment. Or base your tank and environment off of the fish you like (always an expensive choice, lol)
Here is what I mean by the juvenile angels versus adults (dwarf angels will not grow like this, but most others will). This is an Emporer Angel - about 2-5" as juvies and 12"+ as adults. So, just do your livestock research and enjoy.
Not trying to start a post war but dwarf lions can be kept in a 30gal, and if he took precautions and really looked into owning one he should be fine. But with the rest I agree, you just went more into the fish and sizes then I did I usually let them do that work based on what they like lol.
