New to Saltwater!

[kaylee.902]

Hello there,

We have been keeping freshwater tanks for quite a long time now. We have recently decided we would like to keep a marine tank but don't really know where to start. I have been trying to do some research on what the essential equipment needed to set one up is, however, I am finding it slightly confusing. We spoke to the local pet store and it just felt like they were trying to sell us EVERYTHING. If someone could give a list of the basic stuff you need to set up a marine aquarium, and then a list of the 'extras' that make the aquarium that much better. It would be great if you know rough prices of each item as well. We are not sure what size tank we want to keep yet as we have not yet decided where we want to put it. but for the purpose of the list, lets say no smaller than 60 gallons.

We would like it to look something like the photo when it is all set up, bright and colourful!

Thank you!

 

[Connorer]

I'm relatively new myself, but they say that almost any fish tank can be turned into a Marine, I bought the Juwel Vision 180 (not huge, but got a fantastic deal) which was a tropical tank with optional conversion to marine (all I needed to add was a protein skimmer, which was a steal on eBay)

Personally, I am starting off with Fish only, and to help make the tank cycle to the perfect levels I used Live rock and live sand. This made the tank ready for fish in just a couple of weeks, and they're still going strong and look as happy (as fish can) as larry a couple of months on - and as i have the right lighting already, I can choose to add corals when and if I'm ready.

However I am regretting not having bought a larger tank (which doesn't really matter to you, as you said you wanted a bigger one anyway) and have found that I am after a different filter - the one I have is fine, but for disease purposes I am considering an external one with a UV attachment.

So basically, I'd say, seeing as you know your way around fish tank basics, go for your own setup, Decide wether you want/can afford the external filters, and have a look round some shops to see what deals you can get. Although I would recommend external, god knows I wish i'd researched more before I bought mine on an impulse buy - and the prices between fresh and saltwater are pretty substantial. For my small tank, I must have spent at least £800 in the last couple of months setting it up, water, rock (which is particularly expensive) - and mine is fish only atm!

As i said i've just started, but by researching (eventually) and lots of advice, i seem to have set it up pretty well. Also don't forget your test kits, they are even more essential than they are with freshwater, as the slightest thing can completely decimate your tank.

 

[kaylee.902]

Oh wonderful! currently we have a Fluval freshwater aquarium with all fluval accessories. We have an external canister filter system that is screwed into the bottom of the tank. Do you know if this is a setup that can be converted to marine?

 

[kaylee.902]

We have also been doing some research on 'All-Inclusive' saltwater aquarium kits as that seems easier than trying to figure out what to buy individually, but we're not sure if that is the best approach or not.

 

[Connorer]

Oh wonderful! currently we have a Fluval freshwater aquarium with all fluval accessories. We have an external canister filter system that is screwed into the bottom of the tank. Do you know if this is a setup that can be converted to marine?

I'd say so yes, I thought when starting out that you needed a specific filter but it seems to be that so long as it is a powerful one (and you're not growing corals, as they need a couple of extra filter media that may not fit I believe), then it's all good! Obviously, replace the media and rinse the filter thoroughly so as to prevent cross contamination if that's what you're planning on doing.

We have also been doing some research on 'All-Inclusive' saltwater aquarium kits as that seems easier than trying to figure out what to buy individually, but we're not sure if that is the best approach or not.

You'll probably end up paying more, when you can probably just convert your existing one with a couple of extra attachments, the protein skimmer should be the only thing you'll need, as you sound like you have a good filter, but it also depends on the fish you want in the tang, for example I was recently told that if I wanted a regal tang then i'd need to get an external filter with a UV attachment (I know, the costs never end) as it is prone to white spot, which needs to be killed by the filter to prevent spreading. But the good thing is, you already have a tank with a good filter so you should be able to just take it as it comes, and just add to it over time depending on what you need which should keep the costs down

 

[pegasus]

Welcome, kaylee! NEVER buy anything on the recommendation of an LFS, as they are there to sell you stuff... and a lot of it may be stuff you don't need. It's better to know what you want before you walk in. I like the fact that you want to start with more than a "nano" tank. Larger is better when starting out, as the more water you have to work with, the slower things happen... giving you a better chance to correct it. The bigger the better, and once you get the hang of things, then you can go smaller.

I won't sugar coat it... if you want a tank like the one in the picture, you'll have to spend some pretty big bucks. The cost of corals alone can add up in a hurry! There are a lot of SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals in that tank, and they require strong lighting, good flow, very clean water, and additives to keep them healthy. Soft corals and most LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals can tolerate less-than-perfect conditions. Slightly dirty water and less intense lighting seem to work good for these corals... and they are usually easier for beginners.

First thing you need to decide is the size of the tank. Everything else is determined by that choice. The larger the tank, the bigger the lighting needs to be. You will need flow throughout the tank, so the size of the tank will determine what size power heads you need for adequate flow. If you go with a skimmer (recommended), it's highly advisable to buy one a size up from the tank. It's better to have too much skimmer than not enough. The skimmer will also need a place to go. An HOB skimmer can sit on the back of the tank, while a larger skimmer will either be sitting in a sump or refugium under the tank, or if it's an external model, it will normally sit on the floor below the tank.

It's hard to give a price for any of the components without knowing what size tank you will have, as the prices... just like the component size... will be determined by the tank size. Naturally, the bigger stuff normally costs more than the little stuff.

The startup cost of saltwater isn't cheap. The tank, sand, rocks, and salt can be expensive. Keep in mind, the first three are one-time purchases. You can save a good bit of money by buying dry base rock. Putting it in the tank with a small piece of live rock is all you need to do. The live rock will "seed" it, and it will turn into live rock. Another thing that is highly recommended is an RO/DI unit so you will have 100% pure water to mix your salt with, as well as topping off evaporated water. Here is your basic list:

Patience
Tank
Stand
Lights
Canopy (optional)
Sand
Rocks
Power heads (for flow)
Heater
Hydrometer or Refractometer (highly recommend refractometer)
Mixing vat (heavy plastic tub or garbage can use ONLY for mixing saltwater)
Heater and power head for mixing vat
Skimmer (recommended)
Sump or Refugium (I prefer a refugium where I can grow pods and macro algae, and it houses my skimmer)
Marine test kits (starter kit: PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate) (Coral kit: PH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphate)
Patience

Did I mention patience? This is vital to a successful saltwater hobby. You never rush anything, unless it's an emergency. You have to be patient and let the new system cycle, and you have to be patient and s-l-o-w-l-y stock the tank. Too much at once, or too much too soon, is a recipe for disaster. Remember, you are creating an ocean environment in a glass box, and this doesn't happen overnight. The ocean is a wondrous marvel where everything is connected and there is balance. You must gradually build the balance, or it will crash. That's a story for another day. Right now your main focus is how much of the ocean do you want to recreate?

 

[kaylee.902]

Great! I was just doing some research on the red sea max 250 system and I think it is a winner for now! That way we get to keep our existing tank, which we want to keep, and best of all there is ONE plug that goes from the red sea max 250 to the wall and the entire tank works. I think that is the route we will go for now, then if we decide we like keeping the saltwater tank, we will look at upgrading to a larger, custom tank!

 

[kaylee.902]

Welcome, kaylee! NEVER buy anything on the recommendation of an LFS, as they are there to sell you stuff... and a lot of it may be stuff you don't need. It's better to know what you want before you walk in. I like the fact that you want to start with more than a "nano" tank. Larger is better when starting out, as the more water you have to work with, the slower things happen... giving you a better chance to correct it. The bigger the better, and once you get the hang of things, then you can go smaller.

I won't sugar coat it... if you want a tank like the one in the picture, you'll have to spend some pretty big bucks. The cost of corals alone can add up in a hurry! There are a lot of SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals in that tank, and they require strong lighting, good flow, very clean water, and additives to keep them healthy. Soft corals and most LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals can tolerate less-than-perfect conditions. Slightly dirty water and less intense lighting seem to work good for these corals... and they are usually easier for beginners.

First thing you need to decide is the size of the tank. Everything else is determined by that choice. The larger the tank, the bigger the lighting needs to be. You will need flow throughout the tank, so the size of the tank will determine what size power heads you need for adequate flow. If you go with a skimmer (recommended), it's highly advisable to buy one a size up from the tank. It's better to have too much skimmer than not enough. The skimmer will also need a place to go. An HOB skimmer can sit on the back of the tank, while a larger skimmer will either be sitting in a sump or refugium under the tank, or if it's an external model, it will normally sit on the floor below the tank.

It's hard to give a price for any of the components without knowing what size tank you will have, as the prices... just like the component size... will be determined by the tank size. Naturally, the bigger stuff normally costs more than the little stuff.

The startup cost of saltwater isn't cheap. The tank, sand, rocks, and salt can be expensive. Keep in mind, the first three are one-time purchases. You can save a good bit of money by buying dry base rock. Putting it in the tank with a small piece of live rock is all you need to do. The live rock will "seed" it, and it will turn into live rock. Another thing that is highly recommended is an RO/DI unit so you will have 100% pure water to mix your salt with, as well as topping off evaporated water. Here is your basic list:

Patience
Tank
Stand
Lights
Canopy (optional)
Sand
Rocks
Power heads (for flow)
Heater
Hydrometer or Refractometer (highly recommend refractometer)
Mixing vat (heavy plastic tub or garbage can use ONLY for mixing saltwater)
Heater and power head for mixing vat
Skimmer (recommended)
Sump or Refugium (I prefer a refugium where I can grow pods and macro algae, and it houses my skimmer)
Marine test kits (starter kit: PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate) (Coral kit: PH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphate)
Patience

Did I mention patience? This is vital to a successful saltwater hobby. You never rush anything, unless it's an emergency. You have to be patient and let the new system cycle, and you have to be patient and s-l-o-w-l-y stock the tank. Too much at once, or too much too soon, is a recipe for disaster. Remember, you are creating an ocean environment in a glass box, and this doesn't happen overnight. The ocean is a wondrous marvel where everything is connected and there is balance. You must gradually build the balance, or it will crash. That's a story for another day. Right now your main focus is how much of the ocean do you want to recreate?

I haven't finished reading this yet, but it is sounding like my red sea max 250 idea just got blown up lol

 

[Connorer]

I haven't finished reading this yet, but it is sounding like my red sea max 250 idea just got blown up lol

I think like he has said, patience is the key but if you're after fish only then your current tank size should be ok, it's the corals that are really sensitive to the slightest cock-ups (what size did you say you're tank was again, i'm picturing about 200L?)

 

[kaylee.902]

I think like he has said, patience is the key but if you're after fish only then your current tank size should be ok, it's the corals that are really sensitive to the slightest cock-ups (what size did you say you're tank was again, i'm picturing about 200L?)

the current freshwater tank we have right now that we want to keep is around 230 L I think (it is 60 gallons) and we are pretty set on having corals as well in the tank not just fish!

 

[kaylee.902]

Welcome, kaylee! NEVER buy anything on the recommendation of an LFS, as they are there to sell you stuff... and a lot of it may be stuff you don't need. It's better to know what you want before you walk in. I like the fact that you want to start with more than a "nano" tank. Larger is better when starting out, as the more water you have to work with, the slower things happen... giving you a better chance to correct it. The bigger the better, and once you get the hang of things, then you can go smaller.

I won't sugar coat it... if you want a tank like the one in the picture, you'll have to spend some pretty big bucks. The cost of corals alone can add up in a hurry! There are a lot of SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals in that tank, and they require strong lighting, good flow, very clean water, and additives to keep them healthy. Soft corals and most LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals can tolerate less-than-perfect conditions. Slightly dirty water and less intense lighting seem to work good for these corals... and they are usually easier for beginners.

First thing you need to decide is the size of the tank. Everything else is determined by that choice. The larger the tank, the bigger the lighting needs to be. You will need flow throughout the tank, so the size of the tank will determine what size power heads you need for adequate flow. If you go with a skimmer (recommended), it's highly advisable to buy one a size up from the tank. It's better to have too much skimmer than not enough. The skimmer will also need a place to go. An HOB skimmer can sit on the back of the tank, while a larger skimmer will either be sitting in a sump or refugium under the tank, or if it's an external model, it will normally sit on the floor below the tank.

It's hard to give a price for any of the components without knowing what size tank you will have, as the prices... just like the component size... will be determined by the tank size. Naturally, the bigger stuff normally costs more than the little stuff.

The startup cost of saltwater isn't cheap. The tank, sand, rocks, and salt can be expensive. Keep in mind, the first three are one-time purchases. You can save a good bit of money by buying dry base rock. Putting it in the tank with a small piece of live rock is all you need to do. The live rock will "seed" it, and it will turn into live rock. Another thing that is highly recommended is an RO/DI unit so you will have 100% pure water to mix your salt with, as well as topping off evaporated water. Here is your basic list:

Patience
Tank
Stand
Lights
Canopy (optional)
Sand
Rocks
Power heads (for flow)
Heater
Hydrometer or Refractometer (highly recommend refractometer)
Mixing vat (heavy plastic tub or garbage can use ONLY for mixing saltwater)
Heater and power head for mixing vat
Skimmer (recommended)
Sump or Refugium (I prefer a refugium where I can grow pods and macro algae, and it houses my skimmer)
Marine test kits (starter kit: PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate) (Coral kit: PH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphate)
Patience

Did I mention patience? This is vital to a successful saltwater hobby. You never rush anything, unless it's an emergency. You have to be patient and let the new system cycle, and you have to be patient and s-l-o-w-l-y stock the tank. Too much at once, or too much too soon, is a recipe for disaster. Remember, you are creating an ocean environment in a glass box, and this doesn't happen overnight. The ocean is a wondrous marvel where everything is connected and there is balance. You must gradually build the balance, or it will crash. That's a story for another day. Right now your main focus is how much of the ocean do you want to recreate?

Looking at the places we might put the tank in our condo, most likely a 120 gallon (454.2 L) tank is what we want. Would you say this is too large for a first time marine tank? We just don't want to buy everything for a smaller tank, then end up having to buy everything again for a much larger tank.

 

[Connorer]

the current freshwater tank we have right now that we want to keep is around 230 L I think (it is 60 gallons) and we are pretty set on having corals as well in the tank not just fish!

Don't get me wrong, so am i I'm just waiting to add them until i'm more experienced as they require established tanks and expert knowledge (for the most part), but even though that isn't a huge tank, it's still pretty big for starting off with. The thing about patience that pegasus said is what I mean, because with freshwater you can add a new fish everyday and they just roll with it, but it's a lot different with saltwater, the kind of tank in the picture has probably took a couple of years to create.

Looking at the places we might put the tank in our condo, most likely a 120 gallon (454.2 L) tank is what we want. Would you say this is too large for a first time marine tank? We just don't want to buy everything for a smaller tank, then end up having to buy everything again for a much larger tank.

If that's the case, i would get a more powerful filter than you need, a 600L one for example if you plan on getting a tank that big - that way, when you're ready to move your tank inhabitants over, you don't need to buy another one But if you can afford to start off with a tank that big, then that's even better. They say the bigger, the less likely that small mistakes will affect the tank - it's entirely up to you

 

[kaylee.902]

Don't get me wrong, so am i I'm just waiting to add them until i'm more experienced as they require established tanks and expert knowledge (for the most part), but even though that isn't a huge tank, it's still pretty big for starting off with. The thing about patience that pegasus said is what I mean, because with freshwater you can add a new fish everyday and they just roll with it, but it's a lot different with saltwater, the kind of tank in the picture has probably took a couple of years to create.



If that's the case, i would get a more powerful filter than you need, a 600L one for example if you plan on getting a tank that big - that way, when you're ready to move your tank inhabitants over, you don't need to buy another one But if you can afford to start off with a tank that big, then that's even better. They say the bigger, the less likely that small mistakes will affect the tank - it's entirely up to you

Okay sounds good! and yeah, the cost of the tank isn't an issue, it's the fear of spending a TON of money and not doing it correctly and everything dying..which would NOT make me happy lol

 

[Connorer]

Okay sounds good! and yeah, the cost of the tank isn't an issue, it's the fear of spending a TON of money and not doing it correctly and everything dying..which would NOT make me happy lol

Haha, it's such a scary hobby to get into, but just add gradually. Best bit of advice is to start off with invertebrates, then after a few weeks move on to some hardy beginner fish, and then some cheap corals etc. until you have the skills to care for the tank above, I can't advise you much on corals as I haven't quite got there yet, i've researched it - but found that until i've actually done something it doesn't make that much sense to me, but pegasus did seem to have some good points about that!

 

[Connorer]

Oh and on his point about mixing saltwater, I don't know if your local place does it, but mine sells it quite cheap (about 15p a litre), so if you're starting off and aren't sure about the process you should be able to buy it for now, so that you've not got another thing to worry about

 

[kaylee.902]

Haha, it's such a scary hobby to get into, but just add gradually. Best bit of advice is to start off with invertebrates, then after a few weeks move on to some hardy beginner fish, and then some cheap corals etc. until you have the skills to care for the tank above, I can't advise you much on corals as I haven't quite got there yet, i've researched it - but found that until i've actually done something it doesn't make that much sense to me, but pegasus did seem to have some good points about that!

yes for sure! not sure what we're going to do yet, but we will keep you posted with our decision!

 

[Connorer]

yes for sure! not sure what we're going to do yet, but we will keep you posted with our decision!

thanks i'll look forward to it

 

[kaylee.902]

thanks i'll look forward to it

 

[pegasus]

I haven't finished reading this yet, but it is sounding like my red sea max 250 idea just got blown up lol

Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!!! LOL! You can certainly do saltwater in a 60 gallon tank. You'll just have to be very selective about the fish you choose, and the types of corals as real estate will become very limited very quickly once you start stocking it.

Looking at the places we might put the tank in our condo, most likely a 120 gallon (454.2 L) tank is what we want. Would you say this is too large for a first time marine tank? We just don't want to buy everything for a smaller tank, then end up having to buy everything again for a much larger tank.

Not at all. I started with a 125 and I'm glad I did. I only wish I had started with 500 gallons! I'll be straight with you, kaylee... you will lose a few critters along the way. We all have. A lot of this hobby is trial and error, and what works for one may not work for another. We can give guidelines, recommendations, and suggestions, but since we can't be there to monitor the tank, it'll be up to you to keep a close watch on things. Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. I ask all the time! This is a hobby like no other, and once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder what you ever saw in tropical fish. Just like the picture you referred to... it's nothing short of amazing!

 

[kaylee.902]

Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!!! LOL! You can certainly do saltwater in a 60 gallon tank. You'll just have to be very selective about the fish you choose, and the types of corals as real estate will become very limited very quickly once you start stocking it.

Not at all. I started with a 125 and I'm glad I did. I only wish I had started with 500 gallons! I'll be straight with you, kaylee... you will lose a few critters along the way. We all have. A lot of this hobby is trial and error, and what works for one may not work for another. We can give guidelines, recommendations, and suggestions, but since we can't be there to monitor the tank, it'll be up to you to keep a close watch on things. Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. I ask all the time! This is a hobby like no other, and once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder what you ever saw in tropical fish. Just like the picture you referred to... it's nothing short of amazing!

Exactly ! I do like my tropical fish, but they do get kinda boring.. every time I go to the pet store to buy dog food I ALWAYS look at the saltwater fish and wish I could bring them home! Though I do not like the tanks at the store, they seem to be all algae.. I want the bright and beautiful corals. If we didn't live in a condo, I would 100% knock out a wall and make it a massive saltwater fish tank, not to sure they would enjoy us messing with the structure of our building, not to mention the people below if the floor gave out under the weight of the water