total noob to salt

[frontosablkrhom]

hey i recently transfered some of my frontosas out of there 60 gal to there permanent 125 now i have an empty 60 gallon and i really wanna do a salt tank no coral just a swim tank im thinking because ive heard prices can be crazy on lights, can anyone please give me a list of things ill need and prices and a total price guess??? like i said im obsessed with my freshwater fish but i wanna try something new. thanks oh and reccomendations for a really cool show fish .price for the fish wouldnt be an issue if it wont be to expensive to set it up.

 

[skene]

I'm going to tell you, it will probably be very easy to do a fish only tank. You don't need any crazy lights because you will not have any coral.
Now I'm not an expert by any means, but I've done a lot of research on this as I am just getting into saltwater.
First off the major needs are:
1. Live sand - this will help as biological filtration and does a lot of breaking down of nitrites and nitrates.
2. Live rock - this can be either good for your tank or not needed if you choose not to. Gives bacteria a place to start with.
3. Filter - hopefully you do not need an explanation for this.
4. Hydrometer - Check the salt gravity of water.
5. Saltwater test kit - No explanation if you don't know what this is..... buy a hamster.
6. Sea Salt - Duh!

Try and keep PH around 8.2-8.4. Phosphates low. Nitrates low. Nitrites low. For the most part it will just be like keeping any other fish freshwater/brackish etc.

You should do a bit more research on fish on what would be compatible and what wouldn't be. There are different types of fish available, but since you would be starting out try out hardy fish such as damsels, clowns, gobys. Then see where you want to be and what you want to spend.

 

[frontosablkrhom]

thanks i might get a small light now that im thinking about it on one side of the tank so i dont have to spend alot on a big light