16 gallon tank for saltwater fish?

[trotsky123]

Hello, I am very concerned whether I can convert my small tank into a saltwater tank. I have so many verbal advices in various stores and read tonn of info on internet and now just confused with the answers.
I cant get anything bigger and I have a nice 16 gallon tank - see below:
Aqueon 16 Gallon Bow Front Aquarium
Submersible Heater (50 watt, accurate +/– 1° F)
Deluxe Full Fluorescent Hood (Full-spectrum lamp included)
Upgraded to Marineland Penguin 150 BIO-Wheel Power Filter (for 30 gallons)
Small Air Pump (for bubbles)
Do you think I can host just 2 small clown fish and few snails or shrimp?
Thank you

 

[gemmy]

I had this exact setup. It would have to be FOWLR. I would recommend getting a Fluval 205. I struggled with my water parameters on the setup you have, but with weekly water changes it can be done. You just have to be extra diligent. The lighting is not really sufficient for many corals.

 

[trotsky123]

Thank you very much.....
Also, do I need to have live rock or can I get decorative rock - I heard the decorative rock would make the life much easier?

 

[gemmy]

IMO, live rock makes the tank easier. Live rock provides natural biological filtration in the tank. It comes will life on it and provides a surface for the beneficial bacteria to colonize. Now, decorations do provide a surface for the bacteria but you will have a completely sterile tank to begin with.

 

[trotsky123]

Thank you. I will give it a try.
Do you think doing it for the first time, is it worth to buy prepackaged salt water from ***** or petsmart to avoid unnecessary hassle with proper salt levels, etc?

 

[gemmy]

I would buy RO/DI water either from the grocery store or the actual unit to make it and then mix it with the salt. The prepackaged stiff is not worth the money.

 

[trotsky123]

Btw, what is the difference between cured and not cured live rock? I thought it was dead or live?
Searching internet now, but if u have an easy answer, I would greatly appreciate it!
THANK YOU!

 

[trotsky123]

One more last question - from all the forums I can not figure out whether I need a powerhead into a 16 gallon tank w/ Biofilter for 30 gal?

 

[mrdc]

You have answered your own question. Cured to me is live rock and non-cured is dead.