First Sw Set Up.

[Naringlo]

I have the AquaNano 12L and it's just set up as a planted with 6 cherry shrimp. I was thinking about trying saltwater. I know bigger is better but this is more of a trial to see if I like it and to work out maintenance and pricing and so forth. I'll probably change it again but if I like it I'll buy a 240L or 300L depending on money.

I don't really have much of a clue about salt water set ups. Am I right in thinking I'll have to clean it and test for copper. Then fill it with salt water? Im either going going to buy ro water/pre mixed water or use chemicals to remove it. Then put live rock in and that is the equivalent to adding ammonia in a FW tank?

Then wait and be patient and add sand at some point? (I'm really unsure) My only guess around here is I would used crushed coral. #

Thanks all. (I have been reading and will read again)

 

[bae1994]

Yeah add salted ro from lfs it should only cost you £4 ish for 12l get it to temp and add your live rock ( as long as your salinity is correct)

And wait (test it obv untill the cycles done)

You'll need

A fliquid test kit for sw for the basics

A refractometer

You want pretty good flow aswell

The copper depends on what you want to keep but best to anyway

And you will need to clean it as you say

What lights are they on it ?

 

[Naringlo]

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[Naringlo]

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[Naringlo]

Okay so I guess the master fresh water test kit by api doesnt work for SW?

Need to buy a refratcometer. Electronic or cheap because in this case as it may be temporary?

Got good flow because if I put it on full, it lifts up the sand :L

I've got 4 free days as I work nights and go college so I can monitor it most of the time and work on it.

Cleaning is easy.

And standard PL lighting but I'm pretty sure I can get marine lighting if needed. 9w. Just want to keep the cheapest and easiest coral.

Thanks for replying Bae!

 

[bae1994]

I don't think the freshwater test would be any good tbh

If it might be temporary get a hydrometer there not as accurate but they work

As long as the flow has good movement around with no deadspotsthats fine

When you add rock you might aswell leave it for a week IMO and then start testing as it normally takes Atleast a week to be into it

If its 9w over a 12l you should be fine it might be the wrong spectrum ( won't effect the corals it just won't look as good if it's yellow ish )

You could keep

Zoas ( can be toxic so wear gloves )
And a lot of soft corals would be fine under that

Xenia ( gows very fast when it settles)
Mushrooms
Toads tall
Ricordias
And a few others

Atb bae

 

[Naringlo]

Thanks again. I'll definitely keep those in mind. Marine/reef doesn't seem as difficult as it sounded before. I may re consider my planned discus tank and go SW instead. Got way too much time on my hands.

 

[StandbySetting]

Honestly, I seriously wouldn't bother with a 12L it's not suitable for fish and as a first timer it is really not ideal, if I were you I'd just wait until you can do things properly with a larger tank.

Yes the API Fresh Water test kit is suitable but you'll need a new set of cards for Salt Water, but the accuracy is crap so you'd be better off going for Saliferts anyway.

You'll want circulation that is about 20* the tank volume so 240LPH, preferably from multiple sources.

Honestly thought, I seriously advise that you reconsider and save the money and put it towards a much larger set up.

 

[Naringlo]

I'm thinking that too now. Sell both tanks and get a FW nano for my room and convert a Juwel rio 180/240 to marine if it can be done.