New Set Up

[thai]

Do I not need an external filter? Some people say yes and some no!
and when flow is mentioned , do i just attach a powerhead and run it?

Would clowns be ok to a new tank, are they hardy enough?

I have mollies in my freshwater, would using 1 or 2 help with the cycle?


Sorry for all the questions, but i'm gathering all the information before making a mistake!

 

[@ombomb]

Do I not need an external filter?

It's certainly preferable as you get that little bit more water in the system and it will mean the flow through the live rock in there is strong and steady.

Most clowns are pretty hardy and are a good starter once the tank is fully cycled.

There is no need for any help with the cycle in a marine tank as the die off from the live rock will provide more than enough ammonia for the bacteria to develop. Besides which, dropping Mollies that currently live in freshwater straight into a tank with marine salinity would probably leave you with dead Mollies.

 

[N1z]

oh no!!!! didnt know that and i bought one earlier ahhh thats a kick in the balls ohwell nvm..

 

[SkiFletch]

Do I not need an external filter? Some people say yes and some no!

The debate on this topic is somewhat vigorous. I say no. I use no external filters. My nitrates are 0 and I have no signs of detritus buildup anywhere... Take that for what its worth

and when flow is mentioned , do i just attach a powerhead and run it?

Yes. Try to attach it/them to circulate water and eliminate "dead" spaces with low or no flow. Also take care not to point them directly at your sand, cause that gets messy

Would clowns be ok to a new tank, are they hardy enough?

Yes, they are excellent first fish. Hardy, active, full of personality, and easy to feed eating machines.

I have mollies in my freshwater, would using 1 or 2 help with the cycle?

This method was really only popular back in the dark days of undergravel filters. Now, the dieoff from LR will fuel your cycle, no fish are needed

Sorry for all the questions, but i'm gathering all the information before making a mistake!

Dont apologize, we'd rather answer your questions to save your future livestock pain or death than let you plod ahead blindly . Keep asking away and remember, go slow and research

 

[Chac]

Do I not need an external filter? Some people say yes and some no!

The debate on this topic is somewhat vigorous. I say no. I use no external filters. My nitrates are 0 and I have no signs of detritus buildup anywhere... Take that for what its worth

and when flow is mentioned , do i just attach a powerhead and run it?

Yes. Try to attach it/them to circulate water and eliminate "dead" spaces with low or no flow. Also take care not to point them directly at your sand, cause that gets messy

Would clowns be ok to a new tank, are they hardy enough?

Yes, they are excellent first fish. Hardy, active, full of personality, and easy to feed eating machines.

I have mollies in my freshwater, would using 1 or 2 help with the cycle?

This method was really only popular back in the dark days of undergravel filters. Now, the dieoff from LR will fuel your cycle, no fish are needed

Sorry for all the questions, but i'm gathering all the information before making a mistake!

Dont apologize, we'd rather answer your questions to save your future livestock pain or death than let you plod ahead blindly . Keep asking away and remember, go slow and research

Agree completely with Skifletch

A) External - I got rid of mine

B ) Flow - Powerheads/Seio's or Streams

C) Clowns - Would be fine - AFTER the tank has fully cycled

D) Mollies & Cylcing - No need to put any fish throught this

Keep the questions coming

 

[bobf]

Excellent thread this chaps!

I was hoping to find a 'sticky' with a numpties guide but found this instead!

No external filters, water changes only 4-6 weekly... this is beginning to sound much simpler than I though too. I can see my Malawis looking for a new home at this rate.

 

[SkiFletch]

Yeah, saltwater is relatively "easy" from a care standpoint if done right. It is very difficult from a research and compatibility standpoint as disaster can happen VERY quickly if all your ducks are not in a row. Its also just a hair expensive, and one of those times where cutting corners is a very BAD idea. Very rewarding though