new fourty five

[75flow]

i got a nice fourty fve recently with an oak stand. im thinkin about saltwater but it is very costly. im thinking as a less expensive option that i will make it saltwater with a magnum 350 convertable canister filter and a protien skimmer. i need some advice on where to start. Would i be able to do saltwater with that equipment. Anyone with some knowledgeon the subject, im interesteed to hear from you. thank you very much.

 

[arkey.d]

First figure out what type of tank you want, Fish Only will be the cheapest. For a Reef System you definetly need a Skimmer and very expensive lighting.
It will cost ya about 550-600 dollars to start that size tank up. It's not just the equipment it's the LiveRock that will run ya about $250 alone for you tank. 1.5lb/gal of water. Add Some Live Sand in and your up to about $300-$350 depending on if you use playsand on the bottom.
I would use an Emperor 400 for fish only for carbon filtering or go with a skilter. then 2 powerheads for water movement, Salt, Heater, Thermometer, Hydrometer or Refractometer, Test Kits and a Good book.
Plus alot of patcience, after the tank is set up, it will take up to 8 weeks to cycle the tank before you can put fish in. Also the fish rule is 1" of adult fish length per 5gal of water. So your in the 9 inch area.
Hope that helps ya out, I recomend getting the book titled The Conscientious Marine Aquarists ...it'll provide a good foundation of information to get you started.

 

[lefty]

One thing to keep in mind is that you wouldn't have to buy all the live rock at once if you're on a budget. You could buy a bit here and there until you have your desired amount. It may cost more in the end, but if you don't want to drop the money on it all at once, it's always a possibility. Just make sure the rock is fully cured if you were to add more when fish are already in the tank.
Oh, and cycles don't always take eight weeks. For some people they may, but I believe the average is around two weeks.
-lefty

 

[75flow]

thanks everybody. So, i cant use my magnum 350

 

[arkey.d]

I don't see why you can't use your 350, with the other equipment, for carbon or nitrex just as long as you keep it clean so it doesn't become a nitrate factory.... It would give you more water flow too...

 

[duke13]

For a skimmer, I would suggest an Aqua C Remora, the best HOB skimmer you can buy for your tank size. It's worth every penny

 

[75flow]

well guys, im sorry but i think im goin to stick with fresh water my lfs inspired me with an astounding display. Their saltwater tank didnt even come close to comparing to this freshwater one. maybe i will do saltwater when im a millionaire.