First Salt Build?

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fireman36701

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 21, 2013
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Alabama
I have a 20 gallon tank that's about to be empty...I've never done salt water and think I wanna give it a try...What will I need equipment wise...I have no idea on starting point...I know as far as fish go 1 black clown fish is what I want...so fill my ears!

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fireman36701 said:
I have a 20 gallon tank that's about to be empty...I've never done salt water and think I wanna give it a try...What will I need equipment wise...I have no idea on starting point...I know as far as fish go 1 black clown fish is what I want...so fill my ears!

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For equipment you would need a skimmer (yes, because it is a 20 gallon) You would need some other form of mechanical filtration, a lot of people us HOB filters. You will need a powerhead or two. For lights you can use a metal halide, T5's, LEDs. If you want a good deal, be sure to stay patient :)


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I have a HOB Filter right now...I bought a kit about a year ago it is the Aqueon 20 I already have a 100w heater an Aqueon 20 filter...and not sure what the light is but it has a good one...what type substrate should I look at...what about salt or measurements for water parameters...chemicals? What kind or size power heads? Like I said I've never done a salt before and before I jump in head fist If like to get a feel for it

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Google setting up a salt water aquarium, allot of good utube videos and all sorts of info for easy reading vs someone spending lots of time writing a step by step for you. Ask specific questions that you have.

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Mainly I plan on a small load 1 fish...I dream of a Black Clown fish...where or how do I get the salt water...do I have to have Live Rock? Temp Regulation? Substrate? Just for starters?

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Found some info and I like what I see...It doesn't seem as difficult as I thought...from what I have found I don't need live rock but I'll need salt what kind do y'all recommend also what type of sand? And if I go with 1 maybe 2 clown fish will a penguin 160 be good enough? And a Hydrometer? What types do y'all recommend I don't have to have the best of the best but I do want reliability...any and all help is much appreciated I plan on working up to this perhaps have a running sw system by the end of summer

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Basically, you can run a saltwater tank with the same equipment you use on a freshwater tank (filter, heater, light, etc). Additionally you will need a hydrometer, salt mix (instant ocean is a good brand), saltwater test kit, and pH buffer. A skimmer is optional. Aragonite sand or crushed coral is optional, but either helps maintain elevated pH. Go slow. Read a lot before starting. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
 
fireman36701 said:
Found some info and I like what I see...It doesn't seem as difficult as I thought...from what I have found I don't need live rock but I'll need salt what kind do y'all recommend also what type of sand? And if I go with 1 maybe 2 clown fish will a penguin 160 be good enough? And a Hydrometer? What types do y'all recommend I don't have to have the best of the best but I do want reliability...any and all help is much appreciated I plan on working up to this perhaps have a running sw system by the end of summer

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Go with the basic aragonite sand. I don't know where it said you saw that you don't need live rock, but for a 20 gallon, yes you must have live rock. There is no practical filter better for your tank better than live rock.


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Ptrick125 said:
Go with the basic aragonite sand. I don't know where it said you saw that you don't need live rock, but for a 20 gallon, yes you must have live rock. There is no practical filter better for your tank better than live rock.


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You don't need live rock to run a marine tank. However, live rock does make life easier. Years ago saltwater tanks were set up with dead coral and undergravell filters. The fish lived.
 
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