littledynam1te
Member
I'm new to fish and I have a fish tank already a small freshwater tank and I want to start my own saltwater 75gallon tank I need stocking ideas and general advice in the Sam
Tater tank feild
Tater tank feild
75 gallon stocking ideas and advice
- Thread starter littledynam1te
- Start date
littledynam1te
Member
*saltwater field*
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493795
I'm new to fish and I have a fish tank already a small freshwater tank and I want to start my own saltwater 75gallon tank I need stocking ideas and general advice in the Sam
Tater tank feild
Hello and welcome to the site,
First you need a good beginners book to explain the basics, and the equipment. It's different from freshwater and aside from understanding the cycle and the uses of filtration...very little of your already accumulated knowledge will help you.
The way you set up the tanks decor, the fish, and how many are all very different. Read the 101 tips at the top of the new hobbyist section for getting the tank up and going. There are literally thousands of fish in the sea and if you have the right size tank you can keep anything you want...from a tiny neon goby to a whale shark.
There are many, many bright colored cool fish...so for now lets concern ourselves with getting the tank up and going first.
#1. What you will need first, just to get started:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493795
I'm new to fish and I have a fish tank already a small freshwater tank and I want to start my own saltwater 75gallon tank I need stocking ideas and general advice in the Sam
Tater tank feild
Hello and welcome to the site,
First you need a good beginners book to explain the basics, and the equipment. It's different from freshwater and aside from understanding the cycle and the uses of filtration...very little of your already accumulated knowledge will help you.
The way you set up the tanks decor, the fish, and how many are all very different. Read the 101 tips at the top of the new hobbyist section for getting the tank up and going. There are literally thousands of fish in the sea and if you have the right size tank you can keep anything you want...from a tiny neon goby to a whale shark.
There are many, many bright colored cool fish...so for now lets concern ourselves with getting the tank up and going first.
#1. What you will need first, just to get started:
You will need RO water (Reverse Osmoses) from your own unit or purchased from the grocery store. Do not use tap water....you also need better water than a faucet water filter can provide.
You need a good salt mix or purchase already mixed saltwater from your LFS (local fosh store)
You need live rock, base rock or a mixture of both...figure 45lbs to 50lbs for a 75g tank.
You need sand or crushed coral...live reef sand is best...at least 2" deep all the way up to 6" for a deep sand bed.
You need power heads (at least 2) the wave is the life of the ocean, and your SW fish tank.
Lighting...PC, T5HOs, LEDs, or metal Halides (MHs) most coral and anemones require very strong lights to live. if you go fish only...PCs are fine.
You need a hydrometer or refractometer (refractometer is the best)
Lab type test kits...gone are the days of test strips, they are no good for SW tanks because they are not accurate enough.
Filtration
Answer these questions so we can help you to know what equipment you will need:
Do you plan to have corals?
Do you want aggressive or docile fish?
Do you want the more exotic sea life such as anemones or sea apples?
Do you want a sump, canister or HOB filter system?
What is your budget?
Where do you live?
How hard is it to get to a fish store?
What equipment if anything do you have already?
littledynam1te
Member
Ik most of the things u where talking about bc of my freshwater tank plus I do a a lot of research
Also what is a sump?
Also what is a sump?
littledynam1te
Member
1. Later on I would like corals
2. I like tangs and damsels and verity of different fish
3. Maybe
4. Probely
5.$800
6.south
7.easy
8.None, yet still saving up not gonna start till $800 though
2. I like tangs and damsels and verity of different fish
3. Maybe
4. Probely
5.$800
6.south
7.easy
8.None, yet still saving up not gonna start till $800 though
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493829
1. Later on I would like corals
2. I like tangs and damsels and verity of different fish
3. Maybe
4. Probely
5.$800
6.south
7.easy
8.None, yet still saving up not gonna start till $800 though
LOL...How can you say probely to what kind of filtration you want?
Still saving up....look at the first list I gave you of what you need, and make that your to get list.
Damsels are pretty, but extreemly mean little fish. They kill tank mates and when they grow up they bite you drawing blood. Tangs are a fish best suited for larger tanks. The exception would be te Kole tang.
Get this book to make your wish list selection of fish.
Here is an example page, so you can see the info it offers
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493829
1. Later on I would like corals
2. I like tangs and damsels and verity of different fish
3. Maybe
4. Probely
5.$800
6.south
7.easy
8.None, yet still saving up not gonna start till $800 though
LOL...How can you say probely to what kind of filtration you want?
Still saving up....look at the first list I gave you of what you need, and make that your to get list.
Damsels are pretty, but extreemly mean little fish. They kill tank mates and when they grow up they bite you drawing blood. Tangs are a fish best suited for larger tanks. The exception would be te Kole tang.
Get this book to make your wish list selection of fish.
Here is an example page, so you can see the info it offers
littledynam1te
Member
Can u explain those different types of filters to me please?
littledynam1te
Member
O forgot to say I'm using natural sea water from *****.com
littledynam1te
Member
Would it be a good idea to set up a 10g tank first?
xcali1985
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493899
Would it be a good idea to set up a 10g tank first?
Bigger tanks are easier to manage as they have more water volume, therefor more stable parameters. Usually the cost to set up a tank jumps within ranges. A 10g should cost just about as much to set up as a 55G give or take a little. A 75 and a 125 should be within the same price range equipment wise to set up. So I would say go as big as you can.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493857
Can u explain those different types of filters to me please?
- Wet/Dry usually refers to a sump that has a trickle filter with bioballs and a return chamber. There operate off the theory that the bioballs create more surface area, therefor more are for bacteria to cultivate and filter water.
- Sump this method can be set up several different ways. For instance, it can just be equipment only. Containing all the stuff that clutter the walls of a tank. Heaters, skimmers, return lines for canister filters, etc. A sump gives you a clean look with no visible equipment in the visible tank.
- Refugium this is a section usually and extra compartment in a sump where you can add beneficial material, such as additional live rock. You can add a light and add macro algae to this section and pull waste out of the water by trimming the algae every now and again.
- Canister filters are sort of like mechanical buckets with chambers in them that the water passes through and it filters it. You can have filter floss, carbon, bio media in it, etc. These if not maintained can result in a build up of nitrates which can nuke a tank.
- I see you stated that you want corals eventually, well in my honest opinion I would go with a Sump & Refugium combo.
NOTE: All of these methods require some routine maintenance, be it changing the filter media in the canister filter, to wiping down the detrius that settles in the bottom of your sump. There are no short cuts to a strong health reef. Knowledge is power.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493859
O forgot to say I'm using natural sea water from *****.com
- I personally would advise against this, spend the extra couple bucks, buy RODI water and mix your own salt. Natural Seawater comes in a different levels and depending on where it comes from can contain minerals that you don't want in your tank. With our tanks, steady is the key, steady parameters, steady maintenance schedule, steady feeding habits, steady patience. If you use a salt mix the batches are usually very consistent from shipment to shipment and by mixing with pure RODI water is will be basically the same water each time.
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493899
Would it be a good idea to set up a 10g tank first?
Bigger tanks are easier to manage as they have more water volume, therefor more stable parameters. Usually the cost to set up a tank jumps within ranges. A 10g should cost just about as much to set up as a 55G give or take a little. A 75 and a 125 should be within the same price range equipment wise to set up. So I would say go as big as you can.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493857
Can u explain those different types of filters to me please?
- Wet/Dry usually refers to a sump that has a trickle filter with bioballs and a return chamber. There operate off the theory that the bioballs create more surface area, therefor more are for bacteria to cultivate and filter water.
- Sump this method can be set up several different ways. For instance, it can just be equipment only. Containing all the stuff that clutter the walls of a tank. Heaters, skimmers, return lines for canister filters, etc. A sump gives you a clean look with no visible equipment in the visible tank.
- Refugium this is a section usually and extra compartment in a sump where you can add beneficial material, such as additional live rock. You can add a light and add macro algae to this section and pull waste out of the water by trimming the algae every now and again.
- Canister filters are sort of like mechanical buckets with chambers in them that the water passes through and it filters it. You can have filter floss, carbon, bio media in it, etc. These if not maintained can result in a build up of nitrates which can nuke a tank.
- I see you stated that you want corals eventually, well in my honest opinion I would go with a Sump & Refugium combo.
NOTE: All of these methods require some routine maintenance, be it changing the filter media in the canister filter, to wiping down the detrius that settles in the bottom of your sump. There are no short cuts to a strong health reef. Knowledge is power.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493859
O forgot to say I'm using natural sea water from *****.com
- I personally would advise against this, spend the extra couple bucks, buy RODI water and mix your own salt. Natural Seawater comes in a different levels and depending on where it comes from can contain minerals that you don't want in your tank. With our tanks, steady is the key, steady parameters, steady maintenance schedule, steady feeding habits, steady patience. If you use a salt mix the batches are usually very consistent from shipment to shipment and by mixing with pure RODI water is will be basically the same water each time.
littledynam1te
Member
How much would that cost with all the RODI equipment barrels to mix and salt mix my ranges is $800 for now that including fish and everything
xcali1985
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493907
How much would that cost with all the RODI equipment barrels to mix and salt mix my ranges is $800 for now that including fish and everything
Check online for an RODI, your looking for a 5 Stage one (3 prefilters, RO membrane, DI canister). For barrels go to your local feed store for horses and such if you have one. They usually have 50 gallon barrels for cheap. You need a decent mixing pump I say Mag 9.5 should be fine.
You don't need the unit yourself to start, most LFSs sell RODI water, some will even deliver it. Also check local hobby sites. Google "<your city> reef club" they usually have for sale sections where you can get things for about nothing. Most of the time the equipment is well taken care of.
On my local site there is a 135G tank with lights coral and fish for 1000$. So deals are there. Heck I bought my 240G with stand, pump, and sump for 700$.
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493907
How much would that cost with all the RODI equipment barrels to mix and salt mix my ranges is $800 for now that including fish and everything
Check online for an RODI, your looking for a 5 Stage one (3 prefilters, RO membrane, DI canister). For barrels go to your local feed store for horses and such if you have one. They usually have 50 gallon barrels for cheap. You need a decent mixing pump I say Mag 9.5 should be fine.
You don't need the unit yourself to start, most LFSs sell RODI water, some will even deliver it. Also check local hobby sites. Google "<your city> reef club" they usually have for sale sections where you can get things for about nothing. Most of the time the equipment is well taken care of.
On my local site there is a 135G tank with lights coral and fish for 1000$. So deals are there. Heck I bought my 240G with stand, pump, and sump for 700$.
flower
Well-Known Member
I rent my RO unit from Culligan water. I pay $39.99 a month and they take care of my filters, and it has a TDS reader attached. I paid $200.00 to have them install it...that covered the 3g holding tank under the sink, the little faucet that is above, the 5 stage filters and the time and trouble to install. I have horrible well water and the cost of filters would break me, so this method works for me....the water is unlimited, I only pay the $39.99....so much better than hauling jugs.
A unit usually costs around $200.00, then the cost of filters and trying to use a makeshift holding tank...to me it's worth it, and it's hassle free. If you have good water, most folks buy their unit, but renting the unit like I do is one option, so I toss it out there.
Now to be realistic......
You can set up the tank on an $800.00 budget...IF you buy used as much as possible, and are very frugal finding deals....but you also have maintenance and test kits, so it isn't like you spend that amount of money and your done. Trying to cram the cost of fish in that budget is not going to work. Some fish cost around $80.00 (the most I personally ever paid was $120.00) the cheapest fish are around $16.00 unless you get damsels. The reason damsels are so cheap is because they are so mean they kill off everything in the tank you add later, and bite you drawing blood as they mature. Unless you want the really aggressive fish, I don't recommend them to anyone. They are beautiful little fish, but in SW, there are lots of nice beautiful little fish that won't kill it's tank mates. Corals...you can buy frags, but they are far from cheap and their cost varies.
The best plan is to get the tank up and running, then slowly build up your stock as you can afford it. You have to go slow anyway with a SW tank. The more space you put between adding critters the more stable your tank. That way you have time to shop to get what you really want, and read up on the critter so you will know how to keep it alive, that way you get something you really like instead of just filling the tank willy nilly just to get fish in it.
To go with a new set up (everything purchased new), that means the filter system, rock, lights (not the big fancy lights), sand, pumps, skimmer and power heads (just the basics) starts at around $1000.00 and increases from there, for example:
20g to 30g expect to pay $1000.00
40g to 90g increases to $2000.00
90g to 125g increases to $3000.00
If you go with corals, or want an anemone, you will need the big fancy lights that start at around $500.00 (new) and increases from there. Again, you can purchase used lights cheaper, but bulbs also cost. I paid $70.00 each for my Metal Halide lamps on my 48" unit, that took 2 10K, and 2 actinic bulbs at $30.00 each. So once a year I paid out $200.00 just to maintain the lights. So even if you purchase used lights, you will need the bulbs and going with used lights, plan to purchase them right away..
I am not trying to scare you, but you do need to understand what you are getting into. You have a STARTING budget of $800.00, if you are careful you can get set up, there are some great deals out there to be found...but that is not all inclusive when you add the cost of fish, test kits and other goodies you will want down the road.
A unit usually costs around $200.00, then the cost of filters and trying to use a makeshift holding tank...to me it's worth it, and it's hassle free. If you have good water, most folks buy their unit, but renting the unit like I do is one option, so I toss it out there.
Now to be realistic......
You can set up the tank on an $800.00 budget...IF you buy used as much as possible, and are very frugal finding deals....but you also have maintenance and test kits, so it isn't like you spend that amount of money and your done. Trying to cram the cost of fish in that budget is not going to work. Some fish cost around $80.00 (the most I personally ever paid was $120.00) the cheapest fish are around $16.00 unless you get damsels. The reason damsels are so cheap is because they are so mean they kill off everything in the tank you add later, and bite you drawing blood as they mature. Unless you want the really aggressive fish, I don't recommend them to anyone. They are beautiful little fish, but in SW, there are lots of nice beautiful little fish that won't kill it's tank mates. Corals...you can buy frags, but they are far from cheap and their cost varies.
The best plan is to get the tank up and running, then slowly build up your stock as you can afford it. You have to go slow anyway with a SW tank. The more space you put between adding critters the more stable your tank. That way you have time to shop to get what you really want, and read up on the critter so you will know how to keep it alive, that way you get something you really like instead of just filling the tank willy nilly just to get fish in it.
To go with a new set up (everything purchased new), that means the filter system, rock, lights (not the big fancy lights), sand, pumps, skimmer and power heads (just the basics) starts at around $1000.00 and increases from there, for example:
20g to 30g expect to pay $1000.00
40g to 90g increases to $2000.00
90g to 125g increases to $3000.00
If you go with corals, or want an anemone, you will need the big fancy lights that start at around $500.00 (new) and increases from there. Again, you can purchase used lights cheaper, but bulbs also cost. I paid $70.00 each for my Metal Halide lamps on my 48" unit, that took 2 10K, and 2 actinic bulbs at $30.00 each. So once a year I paid out $200.00 just to maintain the lights. So even if you purchase used lights, you will need the bulbs and going with used lights, plan to purchase them right away..
I am not trying to scare you, but you do need to understand what you are getting into. You have a STARTING budget of $800.00, if you are careful you can get set up, there are some great deals out there to be found...but that is not all inclusive when you add the cost of fish, test kits and other goodies you will want down the road.
littledynam1te
Member
I already know about most of the things u where talking about but I do like ur plan 2 speared it out
I also sell baby mollies to a local pet store
I also sell baby mollies to a local pet store
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493941
I already know about most of the things u where talking about but I do like ur plan 2 speared it out
I also sell baby mollies to a local pet store
...I remember how shocked I was at the price of SW fish compared to freshwater...The most expensive fish I had ever purchased was for a huge anglefish I paid $25.00 for and I considered that an expensive fish. I paid $36.00.......$18.00 for each clownfish, my first SW fish purchase.
Most freshwater fish costs (At that time) $2.00 to $5.00 once in a blue moon I would find a larger fish they would ask $6.95 for...I remember thinking that was too much for me to pay for a fish, so I walked away....LOL...yeah those days are long gone.
Originally Posted by LITTLEDYNAM1TE http:///t/393053/75-gallon-stocking-ideas-and-advice#post_3493941
I already know about most of the things u where talking about but I do like ur plan 2 speared it out
I also sell baby mollies to a local pet store
...I remember how shocked I was at the price of SW fish compared to freshwater...The most expensive fish I had ever purchased was for a huge anglefish I paid $25.00 for and I considered that an expensive fish. I paid $36.00.......$18.00 for each clownfish, my first SW fish purchase.
Most freshwater fish costs (At that time) $2.00 to $5.00 once in a blue moon I would find a larger fish they would ask $6.95 for...I remember thinking that was too much for me to pay for a fish, so I walked away....LOL...yeah those days are long gone.
littledynam1te
Member
Ya but mollies breed easy and I can get a dollar a apiece so it can help pay for my fish on a smaller scale
littledynam1te
Member
Ok thanks for the help can't remeber who I was talking to about the natural sea water vs salt mix but would anyone else like to put out some pros and cons of both?
littledynam1te
Member
Anyone with stocking ideas