My 23g Is Still Empty - Go Nano?

[Assaye]

Was planning on dwarf cichlids, but I'm more and more interested in going marine.

I'm interested in a seahorse species tank, but understand this might well not be something a marine noob should undertake.

I can read up on liverock and clean-up crews, but it's the equipment that has me confused. What would be my basic set-up for a general marine tank (so no special corals, no fussy fish, etc)? In additon to liverock filtration, what filters would be suitable, do I need a protien skimmer, and if so what size/make/type, what kind of lighting would I need? What can I make myself/convert from FW and how?

I'm a student so I don't have the money to go for an external filter or metal halides, or anything too expensive really.

My tank is your standard 3 foot job so not very deep or high (I think about a foot deep by 1.4 foot high). I currently have a new daylight bulb optimised for planted aquaria, and while this might not be ideal I'd rather not replace it as it is brand new and I don't have the money for unnecessary extras.

So, to summarise -

What equipment do I need, what would you lot do if you had my tank, what would be suitable stocking and if you had a spare 23 gallon tank, would you take it nano? Finally - can I have seahorses?

 

[milkton]

Was planning on dwarf cichlids, but I'm more and more interested in going marine.

I'm interested in a seahorse species tank, but understand this might well not be something a marine noob should undertake.

I can read up on liverock and clean-up crews, but it's the equipment that has me confused. What would be my basic set-up for a general marine tank (so no special corals, no fussy fish, etc)? In additon to liverock filtration, what filters would be suitable, do I need a protien skimmer, and if so what size/make/type, what kind of lighting would I need? What can I make myself/convert from FW and how?

I'm a student so I don't have the money to go for an external filter or metal halides, or anything too expensive really.

My tank is your standard 3 foot job so not very deep or high (I think about a foot deep by 1.4 foot high). I currently have a new daylight bulb optimised for planted aquaria, and while this might not be ideal I'd rather not replace it as it is brand new and I don't have the money for unnecessary extras.

So, to summarise -

What equipment do I need, what would you lot do if you had my tank, what would be suitable stocking and if you had a spare 23 gallon tank, would you take it nano? Finally - can I have seahorses?

u can have pygmy seahorses i think but wouldnt recommend for beginner. i think some clowns would be best for you, but get cleanuup crew first. 1-2 lbs live rock / gallon. yes to protein skimmer if u want corals, try fish only tank first before doing coral. i have an aquaclear 20 (hang on tank) in a 10g for added filtration wit my live rock but ppl say dont need.. and somethin bout the sponge causin nitrate.

lighting= more watt the better. just dont go WAYYYYYYYYYYYY overboard. lightin can also influence color of your fish. as stated before, need good lightin for corals. not sure about this but i think u need actinic lighting too?

protein skimmer is necessary if u want corals. if fish only then try to do some water changes even if u dont hav skimmer. but skimmer helps ALOT, money well spent. yes. 23g is nano tank. seahorses, = pygmy shouldnt be too bad, but are pretty hard. hard to feed hard to mimic natural enviroment. best if u gather some experience and do some more research first.

 

[seffieuk]

Was planning on dwarf cichlids, but I'm more and more interested in going marine.

you and me both, more interested in marine that is

I'm interested in a seahorse species tank, but understand this might well not be something a marine noob should undertake.

Well, never say never, if you are happy to be patient, do a lot of research and ask for help - then it's do-able

I can read up on liverock and clean-up crews, but it's the equipment that has me confused. What would be my basic set-up for a general marine tank (so no special corals, no fussy fish, etc)? In additon to liverock filtration,

Live rock is your filtration you need nothing else

what filters would be suitable, do I need a protien skimmer,

Many people run tanks that size without a skimmer, but you can pick a perfectly servicable one from boyu very cheaply

and if so what size/make/type, what kind of lighting would I need? What can I make myself/convert from FW and how?

Powerhead? Aim for 20 x turn over

I'm a student so I don't have the money to go for an external filter or metal halides, or anything too expensive really.

You don't need either of these - if you are going for fish only with live rock you will get away with the lighting yoiu already have probably, just change the bulbs to marine

My tank is your standard 3 foot job so not very deep or high (I think about a foot deep by 1.4 foot high). I currently have a new daylight bulb optimised for planted aquaria, and while this might not be ideal I'd rather not replace it as it is brand new and I don't have the money for unnecessary extras.

Well, will certainly not harm the fish

So, to summarise -

What equipment do I need, what would you lot do if you had my tank, what would be suitable stocking and if you had a spare 23 gallon tank, would you take it nano?

Indeed I would and I would enjoy every minute of it

Finally - can I have seahorses?

You can with patience

also to the salty side, it's a great place to be - but, it requires patience and planning and remember, the only stupid question is the one not asked

Seffie x

 

[Assaye]

Good news