Thinking of going SW

[Chumlee]

I currently have a freshwater tank and Im thinking of converting it to SW. I was just wondering if the bacteria were the same, so if I converted it to saltwater (basically just added salt to it) if I would have to recycle or anything.

I have HOB filters and I might get live rock, but probably not right away. Im thinking of a Fish only . I also wanted to know how much Im looking to spend a month on salt (i currently have 1 bag of salt thats pretty big ) btw its a 55 gallon tank. also, what are some easier fish to keep for saltwater. I also would like to know what buffers/additives or supplies I would need to get. I know that i need a powerhead and Im going to get one of those if I decide to go SW

I know that some people say that SW is difficult but I want to know, how much maintenance does it really require (daily, weekly? ) and if it is really as difficult as people make it out to be. Thanks.

 

[biohazardcustomz]

this is coming from someone with no salt experience. but from what i heard, the cycle would have to start over, it is expensive and kinda rough getting everything started up compared to freshwater. but after the first couple months its easy going from there. but mfk has lots of DIY stuff that can help keep the costs down.

 

[BigO6687]

thats good advice^

 

[FLESHY]

I currently have a freshwater tank and Im thinking of converting it to SW. I was just wondering if the bacteria were the same, so if I converted it to saltwater (basically just added salt to it) if I would have to recycle or anything.

I have HOB filters and I might get live rock, but probably not right away. Im thinking of a Fish only . I also wanted to know how much Im looking to spend a month on salt (i currently have 1 bag of salt thats pretty big ) btw its a 55 gallon tank. also, what are some easier fish to keep for saltwater. I also would like to know what buffers/additives or supplies I would need to get. I know that i need a powerhead and Im going to get one of those if I decide to go SW

I know that some people say that SW is difficult but I want to know, how much maintenance does it really require (daily, weekly? ) and if it is really as difficult as people make it out to be. Thanks.

WHOH. Lottsa questions.

Bacteria are not the same. All your media should be washed or replaced. So should everything else. Give a thorough scrubbing to the whole tank.

Not getting LR for a fish only right away is okay, but remember that the LR must be cured before you can add it to a display tank. With that in mind, are you going to have the resources to cure your LR with your 55g up and running?

How much you spend on salt a month depends on too many things to give you a solid answer. What kind of salt? How many h2o changes? How big of h2o changes? Where do you buy your salt? ...ect ect.

You shouldnt need any buffers...most parameters as long as they are stable are acceptable for the fish. (Just dont have your ph be something ridiculously low, or probably even below 7)

I recommend Koralia powerheads. Good quality, not a ridiculous price. Some of the others will drive you crazy with problems.

Its really no harder than freshwater. The only thing you HAVE to do different is add salt to your h2o change water.

Schedule:

Daily - H2O topoff/feed. check for irregularities, enjoy fish/corals

Weekly - Sand bed stirring or h2o change (25% in my case) Clean powerheads and protein skimmer every other week. (H2o change week) Scrape front glass with a razor blade.

Thats just about it.