Tropical To Marine

[brayshaw_17]

Hi there, I'm new to the site

At the moment I have a 180L tropical tank running that I've kept for just over 2 years now. However, I've always wanted to one day get into keeping marine fish. I have heard that it is much much harder and alot more expensive than keeping tropical fish. I suppose by keeping these it gives you basic fish keeping knowledge, but I would like to know how easy or hard it really is to get into marine.

Another question is...from the average tropical fish tank set up, what would I have to do to change my current tank into marine. How much is this likely to cost aswell?

Thanks in advance

 

[Harry1996]

more expensive is right but harder isint true.
it depends on what you want to keep. do you want corals?

 

[brayshaw_17]

I'm not actually too bothered by corals. But they do look really nice, so what if I was to say yes?

 

[Harry1996]

then you will need good lighting t5s would be good
you will need live rock.
and your tank must be filled with RO water. you can buy this a your lfs (normally) or buy an ro unit.
thats about all you need to have corals.
an equipment list would be
heater
ro water or salted ro water.
salt or if brought salted ro then its not needed.
live rock for your tank you will need about 19kg
skimmer look at deltec mce 300
refractometer
test kits ammonia nitrite nitrate ph for now.
sand
t5 lights

 

[brayshaw_17]

Thanks for the advice Harry, how much do you think that's all going to set me back??

 

[simonas]

I did it this year.

Its definately worth it and I am a total marine convert now after dismissing them for 18 years!! The corals are amazing and the best part of the hobby IMO

If you do it slowly and look at forums andsecond hand sites you will be able to do it on a budget

Theres loads of info onthe marine journalssection have a good read of thiose to give you an idea.

Once initial outlay done your costs willbe RO water, salt, test kits, food and repolacement bulbs/// can;t think of any more at the moment

 

[brayshaw_17]

I'm actually quite excited even though it's early days. Would you recommend starting out with a smaller tank first (as I have one empty at the moment), or just jump straight in with the big one?

 

[Harry1996]

well it would be much easier to start big but if you dont want to empty your tropical tank then it can be done. how big is it. have a look at simonas journal. very nice corals and morri. infact look at everyones.

 

[brayshaw_17]

Just had a nosey at simonas journal and it looks very helpful, and fun! The smaller tank is alot smaller, it's an aqua-40. I'm guessing by the 40 that it's 40L?

 

[Harry1996]

you can have it for a setup. but you will only be able to have 1 small fish. some sort of goby. i would use the 180L

 

[brayshaw_17]

I'm still none the wiser on the money situation. Is there anyway of calculating how much it would cost for the 180L, and maybe the 40L? Perhaps an estimate? Sorry for being a pain lol. Your help is much appreciated

 

[Harry1996]

on my 125L tank i have spent £700 inc live stock but i brought every thing new. it would be half that if i didnt.

 

[brayshaw_17]

Ok thank you so much, I'll be in touch soon to let you know of any developments

 

[Harry1996]

thats alright it may seem a lot but remember to take it slow its so worth it.

 

[simonas]

do the 180 andtake it slow to spread the cost more. It will probably save you money in the long run as you will have more chance of a stable system. Its difficult keeping a small tanks parameters down asI;m discovering with my 94 litre.

Good luck!!

you need to keep an eye out for tank breakdowns to get live rock far cheaper than the shops. Shops tend to charge £11 ish a kilo whereas second hand live rock tend to go for £5 an hour