Brand new... total beginner

adee

adee

Member
Hi, im brand new here. My husband and I have long debated doing a saltwater tank, we have had fresh for many years and now were finally ready to take the plunge. We have a 37 gallon tank that currently has fresh clean water in it, im completely lost as to where to start, what kind of "shopping" list we need. We know we want to do a live rock tank with clown fish at least. (husband would love some kind of small shark or eel but were not sure if that will ever happen lol) I have been doing research for quite sometime but there is soo much information its tough to see where to start to do things right the first time.
Any information is appreciated!! cross posted since its a small tank
 
U

usirchchris

Guest
To get started
tank
powerheads
filter; probably for that size tank a hang on back
skimmer
heater
sand about 2" IMO
live rock about 1# per gallon
test kits...do you know about cycling the tank?
Something to measure salinity...hydrometer is better than nothing, but a refractometer is highly recommended
most on this site will recommend an RO filter, but I don't think this is necessary.
Lighting
salt
This covers the essentials IMO. There are many other things that can be added, but this is a starting point. Your big money will be spent on sand, rock, and possibly lighting depending on the kind of tank you are doing. I am guessing if you want clowns you will want an anemone. The anemone requires very strong lighting, and in this case your lighting is going to be pricey.
 
adee

adee

Member
wow, great responses thanks so much!!!
Does it help/matter that were about 10 miles from the atlantic ocean? Is there any chance we can use anything (at all) from our natural beach since its so close??
 
U

usirchchris

Guest
Originally Posted by ADEE
http:///forum/post/2898261
wow, great responses thanks so much!!!
Does it help/matter that were about 10 miles from the atlantic ocean? Is there any chance we can use anything (at all) from our natural beach since its so close??
I would not recomend it, but I don't live by the beach so it is best probably to take advice from someone that does. Too many pollutants to worry about IMO, but there are some on this site that get their water from the ocean, and are seemingly successful. I personally would not risk it. I definitely would not get sand from a beach. JMHO
 
teresaq

teresaq

Active Member
what state do you live in? you would need to check and see what is legal to harvest. Things like empty shells are fine as long as you boil them. Live stuff may not be legal to take. I know live rock is a big no no.
 
adee

adee

Member
im in south florida... im sure harvesting would be illegal too but i was talking loose rocks that are on the sand under water (they have big ones, a pound each at least)
 
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