Going From Freshwater To Saltwater

[xxstarcr0ssed]

Hey guys. I currently have a 40 gallon freshwater tank...and am looking to dabble in saltwater. I have a 15g tank sitting around with a spare filter, bubbler, lighting, and heater. I know 15g is a pretty small tank for freshwater...but I really would like to start small. I understand with such a small tank, I will really be limited on the number of fish I can add. I was thinking a clown, a shrimp, and maybe another small fish. What is the deal with protein skimmers? Are they used in lieu of filters? Also, what is the benefit of using live rock substrate? Currently, I have gravel in my freshwater tanks....is this unacceptable for saltwater tanks? Also, if I would like the addition of corals or sea anemones, I have heard that I need special lighting...what type of lighting is necessary? I apologize if these questions seem like basic knowledge, but I have absolutely no experience with saltwater tanks...but think they are beautiful and would really like to have one. Thanks all!

 

[seffieuk]

Hey guys. I currently have a 40 gallon freshwater tank...and am looking to dabble in saltwater. I have a 15g tank sitting around with a spare filter, bubbler, lighting, and heater. I know 15g is a pretty small tank for freshwater...but I really would like to start small. I understand with such a small tank, I will really be limited on the number of fish I can add. I was thinking a clown, a shrimp, and maybe another small fish. What is the deal with protein skimmers? Are they used in lieu of filters? Also, what is the benefit of using live rock substrate? Currently, I have gravel in my freshwater tanks....is this unacceptable for saltwater tanks? Also, if I would like the addition of corals or sea anemones, I have heard that I need special lighting...what type of lighting is necessary? I apologize if these questions seem like basic knowledge, but I have absolutely no experience with saltwater tanks...but think they are beautiful and would really like to have one. Thanks all!

to TFF and the salty side of the hobby

Ok, firstly a tank of this size is do-able, but only really for inverts and some corals. Would look cool with a shrimp, dwarf hermit, snail and a zoa garden. You might be able to get away with a small goby and shrimp combo, but that is about it.

IMO you can't keep any clowns in a tank this small.

Live Rock is the heart and lungs of a tank (the filter)

You wouldn't need a skimmer on a tank this size but you could have a nano if you wished, would help They remove organics from the water.

Lighting for soft corals is quite basic

Hope that small amount of info gets you thinking

Seffie x

 

[xxstarcr0ssed]

Thanks for the input! You definitely have some good ideas. I had no idea live rock could act as a filtering system like that. That's impressive.