Help New Saltwater Hobbiest

[shrub125]

Ok i am new to salt water aquariums.
I have had lots of experience with fresh water and i have some questions.
I need someone who know quiet a bit about salt water.
First question: Ok in my fresh water i use gravel what do i use for a salt water aquarium?????
Second question: I have a 48 gallon tank i havent done anything to it yet what do i need to start running it???? :help:

 

[ryanhayes9]

perfect!
i just made a huge thread about this! check it out
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/235658/so-you-want-to-start-a-marine-aquarium-sticky

 

[shrub125]

I have a filter from my freshwater tank iit is made to run 50 gallons it says marien on it so is this good enough for it

 

[sea_star]

That sounds fine. For saltwater substrate, use sand. DON'T use crushed coral.

 

[shrub125]

Ok i have these things is this what i need or is there something im missing
48 gallon tank
marien filter
test
heater
what else do i need

 

[shrub125]

And what kind of sand do i use live sand or just normal play sand?

 

[sign guy]

I would use live sand but it can be expinsive you might want to mix the two so you can have enough live things to help speed up the process. Have you thought about a sump and skimmer?

 

[shrub125]

Sorry but im very new to all these things but what is a sump and skimmer??

 

[shrub125]

Ok When i get my taqnk set up what fish should i get that are easy to take care of these are 2 i like
Clown
Yellow tang

 

[sign guy]

check out ryan,s thread and a tang is too big for your tank sorry

 

[shrub125]

Ok im looking at the live rock stuff how much live rock do i need for my 48 gallon? and how much sand???

 

[chris57]

you need about 1lb per gallon of pacific type or 2lbs pers gallon of atlantic type if you want to save alot of money you can make agrocrete http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog...er_052498.html
i usually use caribbean agramax sand
you need about enough sand to make a bend about 2-4 inches deep over time all sand becomes live sand.

 

[sign guy]

1 to 2 lbs of rock per gallon and the sand is up to you