from freshwater to saltwater

[REGGAEX]

i have a freshwater setup with 220 with 2 corner overflows wetdry filter rated for 300 and a fluval fx5 also 40w uv good heaters and a mag 1800 pump and a aquaticlife 4-light fixture.already hooked up.been reading up on the change but very confused about cost of other material and what else i need for a saltwater fish only setup any help would be appreciated.

 

[TheCanuck]

Honestly depends on your budget, and how fast you want it set up and running.

What kind of fish do you want to keep?

 

[REGGAEX]

have not got to that yet really just trying to get a general idea of what i would need to get a good start not in a hurry.

 

[TheCanuck]

Rocks

Sand

Salinity scope

test kit

salt of course

Just to get the tank cycling

It's almost impossible to put a price on your cost. I paid 1$ a lb for my base rock and saved hundreds of dollars. I use live sand though so I spent more on that than regular. If you had a budget then it would be easier to plan your tank. Also I could list out stuff for you and it would easier for you to say yes or no.

 

[REGGAEX]

i was hoping to spend less than a $1000 if possible.

 

[TheCanuck]

Depending on the size fish you plan on having in there, that will help you determine the lbs of rocks you need. Base rock should be 1.50 at the lfs, and live 4-6$lb. You can do half and half which is what I will do when I am on a budget. You will need 100-200lbs based on fish size/swimming room.

175-200lbs of sand sand is 50$ for a 40lb bag of live sand, cheaper for dead sand.

Salinity scope is around $40

test kit around 40$

I suggest a protein skimmer which will be around 150$, keep an eye out for a good used one.

 

[Pazzoman]

You could most likely stay under $1000 if your doing FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock).... The major difference between the cost of reef and cost of FOWLR is basically just the lights...which cost me $600 while a FOWLR can get away with a 2 bulb fixture for less then $100.

Judging by what you have written you could probably get away with a budget of $400 for equipment/rocks...and the rest on fish.

 

[TheCanuck]

I got this rock for .50 a lb on sale at an lfs. Found a skimmer for 150$ that did 750g.

If you a good shopper you can really stay way under budget.

 

[nonstophoops]

I got this rock for .50 a lb on sale at an lfs. Found a skimmer for 150$ that did 750g.

If you a good shopper you can really stay way under budget.

That's a sick eel! Nice Pic!

 

[shua71]

Try craigslist. Sometimes people getting out will sell for $1 a pound of live rock. That is whats going to cost you most.

Its nice to see that green SOB again Canuck