switching to salt

[Orangemaniac11]

I have 55gallon and 150 gallon tanks... both with intent to be set up for a fresh water due to price...but was really thinking things through...based on your experience how much would you say it would cost:
1) to set up the 55g as salt water for a clown fish and a few fish compatable with the clown fishie
2) of maintenance by month

thanks for your time

 

[Scarycakes]

the water changes are pretty similar to fresh water, good upkeep on the tank you know. and i read its always good to have filtration good for double the tank size....so for a 55 get something good for at least 110....those are the tips i was given. im trying to do the same

 

[andyjs]

I always have filtration for at least twice the volume on my tanks and they're all freshwater. If you plan on just doing fish only or fish only with some live rock, really the only thing more you'd need to factor in would be the salt.

 

[Orangemaniac11]

im looking more for the cost, but i do appreciate the help nonetheless

 

[essy]

It depends. If you wanted a good looking salt water tank with clown fish, you want coral.

This means you need a good light, so a T5 would be sufficient. $150 or so for that. (Keep in mind all my prices are in Canadian)

Live rock is a must. Depending where you buy it, I think the average is about $10/lbs. You want at least 1 lbs / gallon, so you're looking at 300-600 to start with just the live rock.

Coral frags will range from $10-$150. Start small and get just one or two easy mushrooms / anemones. So probably $200 all together for starting coral.

All together, you're looking at about $850 or so without fish. Factor in $20-$50 a fish, and say you start with about five different types of fish, $125-$200 for fish. If you have the filters already, that's great. As mentioned before, double the recommended size is good. Also can't forget salt, probably $20-$60 a bag will last you a good while.

So, with all that, probably $1100-$1200 to switch without the tank.