My first try can you help?

[Bogwoodbruce]

I have been keeping trops for a while and have loads of tanks, im considering changeing a 12x8x8 or a 24x12x12 into a SW tank, probably fish only with somthing like a clown fish and a shrimp for my first atempt. Could i get away without a skimmer and what would i need? Thanks! And would it be worth it? As i can't really afford corals.

 

[schulace123]

I would really reccomend a skimmer, I scince you are just starting out it is going to help you out alot.

 

[tunerX]

Once you see a skimmer running and have to dump out the stinky goop you will be wishing that you could pu skimmers in all your tank.

You may be able to do a smaller clown, an anemone would be difficult but doable. Stay away from any of the maroon clowns if you go with the 12". They get big (well, big for clowns).

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

I can't really have a skimmer could i get away without one?

 

[tunerX]

Yeah, you can get away without one, but that will limit the amount of bio load. We normally use skimmers and wet/drys with sumps so we can pack the life into the tank.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Yeah, you can get away without one, but that will limit the amount of bio load. We normally use skimmers and wet/drys with sumps so we can pack the life into the tank.

Id use more than adiquate filteration. so what else would i need? Just salt?

 

[tunerX]

Sea Salt and a hydrometer. Id use synthetic salt. If you have corals check their lighting and flow requirements. A couple powerheads would do. Reefs have lots of water movement. If space for a skimmer is what is stopping you, you could check some out some of the HOB filters or a skilter/filter. Also a fludized bed filter can be contained and provides more bio capacity than a trickle filter.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Ive got some coral gravel and rocks which i have been using for my brevis would this be usable? Id probably only have a clown fish. So would i just need to add some salt, let it settle and then add a fish? As the tank and filter is already cycled.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Sea Salt and a hydrometer. Id use synthetic salt. If you have corals check their lighting and flow requirements. A couple powerheads would do. Reefs have lots of water movement. If space for a skimmer is what is stopping you, you could check some out some of the HOB filters or a skilter/filter. Also a fludized bed filter can be contained and provides more bio capacity than a trickle filter.

Are hydrometres expensive? They sound it.

 

[schulace123]

Use sand not crushed coral, crushed coral is just a nitrate producer.