saltwater versus freshwater

[unckeyherb]

I had a 55 gallon freshwater with various cichlids. I snagged a 150 gallon with 30 gallon w/d & sump for $400 into which I moved my fishies. I was originally planning on selling the 55 gal but no takers on craigslist. so...I am sorta sick of going to my LFS and gazing in awe at all the saltwater fish and as such, I am thinking of doing a saltwater tank in my 55 gallon tank.

I dont know much of anything about saltwater (except anyone I've asked said it is tons more work/harder to keep) and was wondering what it entails, which differs from freshwater tanks. Obviously SALT, but beyond that, can I use the same setup I had for the freshwater tank? My filter hangs of the back, two bio wheels, etc. Anyone give me some pros and cons?

Thanks yall.

 

[hoosier]

i probably wont switch to salt until i have the time and money for it. the fish are more expensive, takes more time for water changes, maintaining salt content, etc.

 

[ewurm]

Saltwater setups are MUCH more expensive, but worth it.

 

[rockinthe40ounce]

id definatly do it, my whole 55 saltwater set up was less than 200. heater, 2 30-60 gallon filters , substrate , and the salt. It sounds real hard at first but once you get into it its not. Its one of those things where you can buy over a period of time to build your tank up. You dont have to just drop a trillion dollars right away. But talk to your LFS owner or someone who works there about it, im sure they can point you in the right direction

 

[rockinthe40ounce]

oh and a protein skimmer, but you wont need one for a while after the tank is set up

 

[WyldFya]

This is a very common question seen in forums, and in LFS. The answer is both yes and no. A basic fish only freshwater setup is easier than a fish only with live rock saltwater setup. A planted freshwater is more difficult than either a FOWLR saltwater or a planted/algae saltwater setup. A reef setup is more difficult to keep healthy than a planted freshwater setup. So the the better question is... How much are you willing to put into this tank?