Quote:
Originally Posted by
Good Sir http:///t/393008/saltwater-newbie#post_3493431
Well hello, I'm new to the forums and I'm thinking of setting up a saltwater tank. So far I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank that is well kept and no fish have died due to me not maintaining the tank (except ghost shrimp, snails, and a Silver Lyretail Mollyfish that died because of going inside a bad Tetra filter ). I basically don't know nothing about the saltwater system and set up, except for the cycling and live rock. I want to get maybe a 30 gallon or a 55 gallon if possible with ( Atlantic Condylactis Anemone, chocolate chip starfish, and candy cane coral in both tanks) if possible. If I get a 30 gallon I want to possibly get at least two Oscellaris Clownfish and maybe a couple of different types of Damsel. For a 55 gallon m
aybe two Clownfish, one Blue Tang, and some angels, or instead maybe just two puffer fish that are compatible with them.
- Tangs are going to out grow a 55 gallon very fast, they need bigger tanks. If these are animals you wish to keep look into 150 Gallon range and even then some tangs will get too big. Most starfish are not reef safe, research research and research some more before choosing one if any.
- Damsels are very territorial fish and are aggressive when they establish one. Very fast and can be hard to remove. Make sure these are what you want. They are good beginner fish, however, there are more peaceful beginner fish.
- Dwarf Angels are 50/50 on reef safe even the same fish can suddenly turn into a coral predator one day. Large Angels are going to outgrow a 55 gallon quickly.
- Another general rule is that puffers are not safe for reefs. Mostly due to the inverts that we keep in the reefs, but also that tend to need to grind their teeth on something and it will tend to be coral your stony corals most times. I have seen smaller puffers (bluespotted) in reefs. I have also seen a porcupine puffer in one. The latter will outgrow the tank. Be ware they get big and are aggressive a bump into corals breaking them and knocking them over.
So I have some questions:
-Can I use tap water, de-chlorine, and add salt as for aquarium water? And if so what are the exact procedures?
- Another general rule is to use RODI water on a reef and nothing less than RO water on a swimmer tank. You should research your salt mixes and mix your own water. Purchase a refractometer and calibration fluid and mix to 35 ppt for a reef and around 30 ppt for a swimmer.
-What else do I need for a saltwater tank? (Except for tank, hood/light, decorations/plants, live sand, live rock, ph control, ammonia/nitrate reduction chemicals, test kits, food)
- Couple things, decide what type of filtration you want, sump, sump and refugium, wet dry, or canister. All these have their own benefits and I have seen all types of tanks ran with each. Again research and find which one is best for you. Generally it is easier to use a sump or wet dry system with larger tanks in addition price makes it more cost effective. Also look into "Reef Ready tanks".
-Can I buy a new filter that I buy for my freshwater aquarium with same media and everything?
- You can convert a canister filter to work on a saltwater tank, however, in my honest opinion hang on the back filters may work on a small tank, but I personally only use them on a QT/HT.
-Do I need a wave maker?
- For a reef flow is very important, as it will assist in decreasing algae due to keeping food suspended in the tank and not allowing it to settle and decay. If food is suspended it will be caught by the filter and and removed during daily/weekly maintenance. Flow is also beneficial for healthy fish also, you will notice fish swim into the current created by the flow.
-Is having an air pump optional, necessary, or depends on type of fish you own?
- If you choose the sump or wet dry options you will need a "return pump", which pumps the water back up to the tank from the sump. If you are talking about water movement inside the tank, they "pumps" are often called powerheads and vary in many sizes and capabilities. Some can be linked together to create actual waves in your tank while some are just plug and play.
Thanks for taking the time and reading all of this. Also, any suggestions on beautiful types of fish that are easy to take care of such as a Coral Beuaty Angel?
- Coral beauty is a dwarf angel and is often safe for corals, will sometimes nip at polyps of zoas and such, but I have not heard of anyone having a nightmare situation with a coral beauty.
- Some fish I would suggest staying away from would be Damselfish except clowns, Sixline Wrasses also get mean. Research a fish from multiple locations I can not stress how much research is the key. All fish are cannibalistic and will eat what fits in its mouth. So buying a little fish and placing it with an aggressive style fish will just make an expensive snack.
- Look into Anthias, Firefish, Gobies, Blennies, Fairy Wrasses, Flasher Wrasse, these type of fish play nice with each other and are often comfortable with. If your looking to go aggressive looks into Lionfish, Puffers, Triggers, etc. these fish are aggressive and will prey on smaller animals.
Hope that helps a bit.
