An Idiots Guide To Marine..?

[tubthumped]

Hi all, first of all may I offer an apology - I know this has been covered many times, but I'm hoping for a little bespoke help.

I'm currently a Tropical Fish keeper, and have a healthy well established tank that I can manage without any problems. However I cannot get over the urge to go salty - especially when I see how amazing everyones marine setups look!

My problem is - what do i actually need!?
Every time I ask at one of the LFS or speak to anyone I know, I get told different things! It's just left me scratching my head.

At the minute I am looking at setting up my spare 22 Gal tank for marine.
I have a Fluval 105 filter, air pump, heaters and a 24" light setup.

What would I need to add to my euipment to get a tank up and running?

Again, sorry for the questions, but you guys know much more than me!

Craig.

 

[-Nemo-]

First off, what kind of tank do you want? Fish Only (FO)? Fish with live rock (FOWLR)? Reef Tank?

Take a look at what's out there, what fish you might want, what invertebrates, and if you want corals or not. Depending on what you want will change what you'll need. Although at the moment, I can say you will not need the air pump and you will probably not need the fluval.

 

[tubthumped]

First off, what kind of tank do you want? Fish Only (FO)? Fish with live rock (FOWLR)? Reef Tank?

Take a look at what's out there, what fish you might want, what invertebrates, and if you want corals or not. Depending on what you want will change what you'll need. Although at the moment, I can say you will not need the air pump and you will probably not need the fluval.

Hi Nemo, I've been looking at your breeding diary - very impressive.

I'm looking at Fish with Live Rock. From what I understand this will offer me biological filtration, and I assume some degree of buffering in the water?

Regarding fish, I realise I dont have the largest of tanks for Marine.
I was thinking along the lines of;

2 Clown Fish (Is it possible to keep 1 Orange/White and 1 Black/White?)
1 Royal Gramma
1 Purple Stripe Pseudochromis
and some form of shrimp, or similar 'clean-up' animals.


If I was to add Anemones, would this greatly increase my setup needs?


Once again, thanks for your help.

 

[-Nemo-]

So then no corals?

If that's the case, yes you're correct, LR will be your filtration which is why you do not need the fluval.

As for stocking,
Two clownfish - good. I've seen quite a few people keep blacks and regular occ. together, but really it's an experiment. There is no guarantee that the fish will get along and if that ends up being the case you have to be willing to return one of them.
Royal Gramma - Good Choice
Purple stripe pseudo - I would reconsider, just because they can quite the aggressive little fish and I wouldn't want him to take over your tank.


Anemones - Your tank is going to be too small to house an anemone long term. Nearly all anemones reach a foot or more in diameter and so they will soon run out of room. They also need to be housed in mature tanks (mature meaning 6months to a year) with good lighting.

 

[tubthumped]

So then no corals?

If that's the case, yes you're correct, LR will be your filtration which is why you do not need the fluval.

As for stocking,
Two clownfish - good. I've seen quite a few people keep blacks and regular occ. together, but really it's an experiment. There is no guarantee that the fish will get along and if that ends up being the case you have to be willing to return one of them.
Royal Gramma - Good Choice
Purple stripe pseudo - I would reconsider, just because they can quite the aggressive little fish and I wouldn't want him to take over your tank.


Anemones - Your tank is going to be too small to house an anemone long term. Nearly all anemones reach a foot or more in diameter and so they will soon run out of room. They also need to be housed in mature tanks (mature meaning 6months to a year) with good lighting.

With the clown fish I would decide on either regular or B&W - I don't like causing my fish any undue stress.
Baring that in mind I would probably also steer clear of the Purple Stripe.


Thanks for the advice re: the Anemones. Again i'll keep away.

Back to my equipment; if I went to a Live Rock and Fish setup, I could loose the fluval and the rock would do that job. What else do I need to buy for the setup? Would it just be a protein skimmer? If so, what does the protein skimmer do? And what is reccomended to look for with one?

Cheers,
Craig.

 

[Reesy1989]

Hi Craig,

Welcome to the Salty side.

Live rock is a biological filter for the marine tank however you need to purchase one possiblly 2 powerheads to create the flow. Without the flow the live rock will not be able to filter the water.

I dont run a protein Skimmer on my tank but there are others on here that'll be able to help you with that.

You will need test kits. There are the 5 main ones which are Ammonia, PH, Nitrates, Nitrite and Phosphates. If you were to go for corals aswell its always good to get Calcium test kit aswell. Test kits are expensive but when it comes to the health of your fish and how much money you'll put into this its worth buying an good accurate one thats value for money. Salifert are a good brand for these.

Phosphate remover isn't a must for a newly setup tank but it will benefit to have it in there.

You will also need a device to measure the SG level of the water. You can use a hydrometer however these are cheap and not really that accurate, you would be better off buying a refractometer.

Theres also the Sand and the salt that you will need to buy but you already new that one lol.

Theres probably something that I'm missing as I'm only a new to this myself. You will get a world of knowledge by reading all the experiences people have had with their setups by reading through the journels.

Good luck.

Reesy89