Transition From Freshwater To Salty

[Didge007]

I think my head is going to explode lol too much info for such a cold early morning! I have to rush off to work but will take it all into consideration. I may even ditch these simple tanks and get a cool marine setup...that will be costly though Why can't money grow on trees?

 

[StandbySetting]

Freshwater doesn't have to be simple, Planted set ups can be just as if not more stunning than reef set ups, plus they're cheaper to run and the initial costs are generally less.

 

[lewiss]

Hey Standbysetting!! It's all about marine - no tempting to the freshwater side here in the marine section!!! lol

 

[Didge007]

Lol!

I know, but I already have freshwater and honestly, when I go into the LFS I feel like all the fish are the same...they just don't get me that excited anymore My 4ft I have on layby will be my freshwater with Discus (which I LOVE) but I wouldn't mind another challenge. Salty seems the way to go ...but not for a little bit I just want ideas!

Plus I get so jealous going into the LFS and I see all the colourful pretty fish...

 

[StandbySetting]

Have you ever seen Malawi Cichlids? Most of them are on par with Marines colour wise, as are many African Cichlids.

 

[MrLiam]

No offence but IMO no fish can be compared to marine fish not only are the colours amazing they have alot more character compared to other fish I have seen.

But thats just my opinion everyone is entitled to there separate view

 

[fishy55599]

No offence but IMO no fish can be compared to marine fish not only are the colours amazing they have alot more character compared to other fish I have seen.

But thats just my opinion everyone is entitled to there separate view

total agree

 

[Didge007]

I do like cichlids but don't particularly want to try them at the moment. My partner loves them so I'm sure we'll end up with a tank full one day I'm trying to 'ditch' freshwater, I just want a new project. I have a 4ft freshwater system on layby (and suggestions for this one head over to the tropical discussion forum because I'd love ideas) I will be turning into a discus/angel tank so I will still have freshwater.

But I want something different! Plus my neighbour (or ex-neighbour) has one and I'm so jealous when she tells me about the fish they just bought. They are so pretty and there are some crazy looking species out there I'm all for wierd looking fish.

So back on topic, what kind of stocking would I be looking at for say...5ft? 300-odd L? As an estimate. I will want corals as well

 

[fishy55599]

depends on the fish size really, but i would say no tangs.

clowns,cardinals,gobys,glennies,wrasse,angels, there are so many

you can have about 12-14 fish.
you can have more coral than fish

 

[StandbySetting]

If it were me I wouldn't go for the generic pair of Clowns etc, I'd go for something different, Dwarf Lionfish would be an option I believe, there are many species out there that would be suitable that don't conform to the common choices.

 

[demasonisrule]

Most fish would be OK, a lot of tangs are a no no.

On the dwarf lions stand suggested, just know that they can be difficult to get to eat frozen foods from live foods, so if you get one be prepared to have to feed it damsels.

 

[woody88]

Have you ever seen Malawi Cichlids? Most of them are on par with Marines colour wise, as are many African Cichlids.

Have to agree with that colour wise but marine has a lot more different species. Malawis all look the same to me.

 

[Didge007]

I've heard tangs need massive tanks
Would love a pair of ocsellaris (sp?) Who doesn't love those little guys? Plus I really like cardinals...they are just freaky lol. I will have a look at dwarf lionfish as well...maybe this weekend when I go to the LFS I'll write a list of the fish I like there and do a little bit of research when I get home. The only problem is there is only one fish shop neear me that has marine which is sad I should say DECENT marine...the others sort of dip their toes but their tanks always look feral and their fish depressed.

 

[fishy55599]

Plus I really like cardinals...

Whooo!! Finally another person that likes them.
I would suggest the banggi cardinal

 

[Didge007]

I love them!! They look so evil! lol