Thinking of making the switch

[roberts722]

Howdy all. New to this forum. Seems to be some knowledgeable people here, so I am hoping you will all help me out. I currently have a 55gal freshwater tank filled with Africans. They are fun, however I am thinking seriously about making the jump to saltwater. This is a big step, but after reading many posts I am now convinced that managed a Fish and Live Rock tank will not bee too difficult. I had been intimidated in the past, but am confident I can handle it. I don't think I am ready for inverts yet (someday) but the fish and rock is doable.

A few questions. I know I will have to get a protien skimmer and a hydrometer. No problem. Currently I run two Fluval cannisters, a 304 and a 204, for filtration. My substrate is dolomite (keeps the PH around 8.2). Are these acceptable for saltwater filtration?? Your thoughts please.

I also have an extra 20 gallon tank that I could use as a sump. Is this a good idea?? Any good DIY sites/links for setting this up??

Okay, now the lighting questions. Only looking to do live rocks to start (a bit pricy but worth it I think). Do these rocks have the same requirements as inverts do?? I really do not want to spend $300-$400 on a light if I can avoid it. I have already seen the prices of some of these fish and I would like make this my biggest investmet.

Finally, number of fish. From what I can gather the number of fish I am used to keeping will decreas quite a bit. I am guessing no more than 5 fish, maybe less?? I would most likely go with some smaller species. Tomato clown, damsels, maybe a cleaner shrimp and some other smaller fish.

I know this is a bit long but like I said, just in the learning stage and if I have learned anything in my time keeping fish, it is take it slow and get informed.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Fuzzy]

Certain inverts r easy to take care of, some r important to tank, get some hermits and crabs they r easy to take care of. The ph needs to be 7.2 no more no less. A 20 gallon will make a good sump, sry do not no any DIY sites but just post that problem under the DIY section. It will require very good lighting if u get alot. U should not get more than 5 fish, but depending on size u may get a little more exspecialy if u get a fish which stays at the bottum. Inverts do not take up much room, so u may have plenty of inverts. I hope this information will help u. U will love having a marine tank, but remember do not skimp on the lighting.

Cheers,
Lionfish

 

[Eelzor]

Regarding the pH, doesn't it have to be about 8.1-8.4?

 

[Great Lakes]

Yes, ph about 8.2!! Hardness is also important in a marine tank.

Roberts, here are some of the biggst mistakes newcomers to the hobby make. I made pretty much all of them.

Saving a dollar at the beggining will cause you more regret than you could ever know.

When you have your 55 empty, take it to a reputable glass shop and have it drilled for an overflow. The bottom is most likely tempered, so have a hole put in the back corner for an overflow. Then it is a snap to use your 20gal for a sump. It is also mucho cheaper than having to buy an siphon overflow, and foolproof to boot.

A good quality used skimmer can easily be found for under a $100.00. One that will easily handle a 55gal anyway. The skimmer, along with your live rock, will be all the filtration you need.

Spend an enormous amount of time hard plumbing your drain and return lines. Along with how many power outlets you will need. Water movement is critical in a marine tank, and a little upfront strategy will pay off.

Lighting. The very best thing you can do here is buy a 660 icecap ballast PERIOD.
It will run four VHO bulbs, give your fish all the light they ever wanted, grow great coraline algae on your live rock, and allow you to step right into anything in the marine world, with the exception of stony corals. You could easily drop a 100-150 dollars for an adequate system for a fish only tank. So you might as well spend the extra 100 up front. This way in six months you won't be kicking yourself when you start getting the itch to add all the corals you see in the lfs.

On fish, someone somewhere is going to suggest that Damsels are a good starter fish. They are. They are hardy, have decent color, and are quite cheap.

Trouble is, they are the fastest little %#$%# in the world, and you will never get the %#$%%$ out of your tank.

Then you add a $50 Flame angel, and you $6 Damsels terrorize the bugger to no end.

That's all I have to say about Damsels

In closing, find a good reef club in your area. Most are groups of great people that have get togethers all the time and can save you gobs of money.

GL

 

[Yellowrose]

prepare to spend 10x compare to freshwater. :smb:

 

[ste2k3]

I'd say the same as great lakes. heres a good diy site.

http/www.reef-eden.com/index.htm

it has a good diy section and some links to other diy sites.

 

[roberts722]

Thanks for all or your help. Excellent suggestions. I'm glad I asked.



Jim

 

[ostrow]

reefcentral.com and find the chicago marine aquarists society (cmas) club forum.
read, read, read.

I have a siphon overflow but GL is right.

I ran my cannister until 3 weeks ago when I replaced it in my cabinet with a dosing pump for my b-ionic (love it! no more kalk! woo-HOO!). But cannister not needed.

No damsels. GL is right. Only add fish you really really want.

Fish Rac, A Splash of Life, Aquatica, Coral Reef Pet Center, Reefdweller, those are your Chicago stores, Harbor Aquatics and Premium Aquatics in Indiana are great (premium great place to order from ... livestock ships to Chicago UPS in one day by ground service so shipping is cheap, livestock healthy and already quarantined worth buying from them!!!)

 

[roberts722]

Thanks Guru.n I live ion Buffalo Grove (NW Burb), Are any of the stores you mentioned out this way??

Thanks again.

 

[ostrow]

guru n? Fish Rac is in Mundelein. Splash of Life I think Auroro (never been). Coral Reef Pet Shop is near Park Ridge, Living Sea is in Park Ridge. Reefdweller is in the city. Aquatica in Tinley Park.

Reefcentral.com's cmas forum has a listing of all sponsor stores with addresses at the top of the forum.