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Saltwater Newbie

post #1 of 43
11/5/11 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 

Hi i just recently bought a 20g tank and wanted to know if i could make it saltwater because i do not know what i would need. I know you need a filter, heater, powerhead, sand, live rock, protein skimmer(heard it is not needed) and hydrometer(?). I would like to put in:

 

>1-2 ocellaris clownfish

 

>some cleaner shrimp

 

>and maybe a small damsel

 

tell me what you think, and any help would be greatly apprecaited!!

 

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post #2 of 43
11/5/11 at 3:51pm

Welcome to Saltwaterfish.com! I hope you enjoy your stay!

 

I have a 20g tank, and I tell yah, I am really enjoying it. There is a lot you need to know to get started. I highly recommend you read the thread in the new hobbyist section called " 101 tips for new hobbyists" It will help you out a lot. Also, check out my thread on how to set up a sumpless saltwater aquarium: http://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/388804/snakes-method-for-setting-up-a-sumpless-tank

 

Here is also a link to a few articles which you may find useful in your saltwater aquarium adventures: http://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/388776/snakes-methods

 

I prefer to use Emperor 280 biowheel filters and E-shopps skimmers, or even an octopus hang on back skimmers. If you are going to use a skimmer. I have a 20g nano set up with a sump. Here's a link to my build thread: http://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/387674/snakes-20g-nano-build-thread

 

We do have a pretty awesome search function on this forum as well. If you have any questions and can't find any definite answers, don't hesitate to ask!

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post #3 of 43
11/5/11 at 3:53pm

Oh, and by the way, I like your stock list, but I personally would drop the damsel. Damsels are very agressive fish, which will probably kill your clownfish over time. There are many more ornamental species of fish that are just as hardy as damsels.

 

Please research all of your livestock before purchasing. It will save life, money, and heartache. :D

 

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I love to help.

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post #4 of 43
11/5/11 at 5:55pm
Thread Starter 

thanks. so i have a filter, a heater, tank, lights, how much does a protein skimmer and a hydrometer(do i need one?) cost? also

 

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post #5 of 43
11/5/11 at 6:03pm
Thread Starter 

whats PM mean?

 

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post #6 of 43
11/5/11 at 6:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuck72 View Post

whats PM mean?

 



Private Message

 

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post #7 of 43
11/5/11 at 6:11pm

 



 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuck72 View Post

thanks. so i have a filter, a heater, tank, lights, how much does a protein skimmer and a hydrometer(do i need one?) cost? also

 



An Hydrometer tells you what the SG spacific gravity is..saltiness of the water. Yes you have to be able to measure the SG. The ocean is 1.026 so you want your tank saltwater to read  between 1.023 and 1.026 a refractometer is more accurate.  An Hydrometer runs about $6.00 a refractometer runs about $50.00.

 

Protien skimmers come in so many shapes and sizes so it's up to you what you want to spend. a good one will start at around $300.00

 

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post #8 of 43
11/5/11 at 6:16pm

As far as I am concerned, protein skimmers are optional. There are other ways to remove excess nitrate and phosphate build up. For example, there are macroalgaes that you can grow in your display tank(or refugium), algae scrubbers, and water changes.

 

Yes, you do need to buy a hydrometer. A hydrometer will measure your waters salt content. Hydrometers aren't as accurate as refractometers, but it's better than nothing. Try to buy a hydrometer that is also temp accurate.

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post #9 of 43
11/5/11 at 6:18pm

Sorry Flower, I didn't see your post before I posted mine. :D

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post #10 of 43
11/5/11 at 6:58pm
Thread Starter 

thanks. so if i put everything in my tank by monday how long does it need to cycle?

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post #11 of 43
11/5/11 at 8:04pm

Get yourself some basic test kits and then add a piece of shrimp to your tank . It takes anywhere from a week to 30 days to properly cycle.

 

I suggest that you read the "Lets talk about cycling" thread by Spanko. It will answer a lot of your cycling questions.

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post #12 of 43
11/6/11 at 1:16am



 

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 View Post

Get yourself some basic test kits and then add a piece of shrimp to your tank . It takes anywhere from a week to 30 days to properly cycle.

 

I suggest that you read the "Lets talk about cycling" thread by Spanko. It will answer a lot of your cycling questions.



Just to help clarify...basic means LAB type kits, not the strip type. Basic kits usually contain tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity and PH

 

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post #13 of 43
11/6/11 at 6:46am
Thread Starter 

OKA THANKS

 

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post #14 of 43
11/6/11 at 7:02am

Thanks Flower for the catch! What would I do without you??

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post #15 of 43
11/6/11 at 9:58am
Thread Starter 

oka

is there any different types of live rock? if so which kind should i get?

 

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post #16 of 43
11/6/11 at 10:48am
Thread Starter 

also could i put a star fish in??

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post #17 of 43
11/6/11 at 12:21pm

starfish, shrimp, even some coral take at least a 6month old tank imo...

 

u can add a fish and some CUC after a couple weeks to a month depending on how ur tank goes...

 

anemones and some sps imo take a yr old tank if not older!

 

 

Salt level is something u will want to watch! U will be topping ur tank off every day with reg water to keep the salt level constant. I try to top off twice a day!

Hydrometers are okay but not accurate and really not accurate as they age. A refractometer is a good buy and an investment in a tank.

Welcome to the boards! wave.gif

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post #18 of 43
11/6/11 at 1:53pm
Thread Starter 

thanks!! does it matter if its a 20g tall or long??

 

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post #19 of 43
11/7/11 at 5:45am

Just started up a new saltwater tank last pm.  Put in the sand and the salt.  It is milky still this am.  Do I turn off the pumps and filters to let the sand or whatever it is settle?  How long does it take to settle?

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post #20 of 43
11/7/11 at 5:52am

Ive got a 20L....20Ts work too and some people like the taller tanks anyways...kinda depends.

Imo 20Ls are more for so reefs because the tank is shallower and allows more light for the animals!

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