New to saltwater, need startup advice

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JTRG05

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 9, 2009
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Northwest Ohio
I keep multiple FW tanks, and one Brackish, but want to startup a SW tank, the only problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing. About the only thing I understand is the water change/RO system.

I just got a brand new 55 gallon tank and wanted to use it, I also have an empty 10 gallon I can use with it (I've seen people using two tanks as some sort of filter?)

What I want to eventually have is a Live Rock and Fish only tank, no reef.

So my questions begin, What kind of substrate can I use? Is sand a must?

What kind of filtration will I be looking at? Will dual 60 rated HOB's work like in my FW or will I need more?

Will basic lighting work for a non-reef tank?

How many powerheads should I use?

What do I do with the second, smaller tank?

What type of equipment will be a must for me? Things like protein skimmers.

These might seem like stupid questions, but this will be the first time I started looking into SW tanks and this is the first place I wanted to go.
 
JTRG05;3512375; said:
I keep multiple FW tanks, and one Brackish, but want to startup a SW tank, the only problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing. About the only thing I understand is the water change/RO system.

I just got a brand new 55 gallon tank and wanted to use it, I also have an empty 10 gallon I can use with it (I've seen people using two tanks as some sort of filter?) it's called a sump And they are great if you set them up right!!

What I want to eventually have is a Live Rock and Fish only tank, no reef.Eventually? Thats the begining! you should be good
So my questions begin, What kind of substrate can I use? Is sand a must?
No bare bottom is actually easier to keep. and lot's of people do it!

What kind of filtration will I be looking at? Will dual 60 rated HOB's work like in my FW or will I need more? If you do it right your LIVE ROCK will be all the filter you need (and a skimmer if you stock heavy)

Will basic lighting work for a non-reef tank?
YES
How many powerheads should I use? FOWLR, one or two will work prolly 25x turnover so like 2 Korallia 3's would work great

What do I do with the second, smaller tank? Look up (search ) "DIY sump".

What type of equipment will be a must for me? Things like protein skimmers.
Skimmer will make your life easier, AN RODI unit, A refractometer is a wise purchase, A water change container to mix saltewater w/extra heater,powerhead to mix water and thermometer to know the temp..

These might seem like stupid questions, but this will be the first time I started looking into SW tanks and this is the first place I wanted to go.
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Feel free to PM me with anymore Q's if you like

On the refractometer I feel is a must if anyone wants to keep SW, I just dont trust an 8 dollar piece of plastic with a swingy arm to thousands of dollars of livestock.
 
I beg to differ as to a bare bottom on a SW tank. All my FW tanks are bare bottomw, but sand is, for me , a must, in SW.
 
Miguel;3512635; said:
I beg to differ as to a bare bottom on a SW tank. All my FW tanks are bare bottomw, but sand is, for me , a must, in SW.
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Not tryingto start a pissing match, I know of MANY SW tanks that are bare bottom that have got Reef central TOTM and run FULL SPS tanks...
I run a 2 Inch sand bed but I have run bare bottom with no problems..
As long as your rock is cured you wont have a problem.
 
JTRG05;3512375; said:
I keep multiple FW tanks, and one Brackish, but want to startup a SW tank, the only problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing. About the only thing I understand is the water change/RO system.

I just got a brand new 55 gallon tank and wanted to use it, I also have an empty 10 gallon I can use with it (I've seen people using two tanks as some sort of filter?) yes this is a great use for the tank as an extra filtration space for a sump protein skimmer or Fuge ton's of possibilities.

What I want to eventually have is a Live Rock and Fish only tank, no reef.

So my questions begin, What kind of substrate can I use? Aragonite sand. Is sand a must? Not necessarily but it helps for denitrifications but a bare bottom tank you can see the waste and siphon but for a new commer I would do sand.

What kind of filtration will I be looking at? Will dual 60 rated HOB's work like in my FW or will I need more? I would go with a canister filter or a wet/dry trickle filter you can use HOB as well but they clog faster in a FOWLR tank compared to a canister.

Will basic lighting work for a non-reef tank? yes

How many powerheads should I use? enough to turn the water over at least 6-8 times

What do I do with the second, smaller tank? use it for the heater and protein skimmer and extra carbon.

What type of equipment will be a must for me? Things like protein skimmers. protein skimmer, refractometer, a good test kit, heater, canister filter, basic lighting and power-heads.

These might seem like stupid questions, but this will be the first time I started looking into SW tanks and this is the first place I wanted to go.
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good luck and let me know if you need any other help

mr.reef24
 
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