Im starting a marine tank (25 gallon, long), and have never done so before. any suggestions?

Question

I've had lots of fresh watter fish, but no salt watter. I have live sand, all the test stuff, good quality salt mix, power heads, and an over the side filter for a 30-60 gallon tank. I also would like to build my own wet/dry filter but know nothing about them. Im sure any info would help!

Answer 1

While I wouldn't say saltwater's harder, it IS more expensive than keeping a freshwater tank! I currently keep several of both types - with my saltwater tanks being reef tanks.

I'd recommend that you let your fish be your starting point. The fish you keep successfully will largely be determined by the size of tank you get. Saltwater fish are generally more territorial and aggressive than freshwater community fish (think cichlid temperment). That's not to say there aren't some peaceful ones, but they're more the exception than the rule. Saltwater fish are also more demanding of water quality. These factors mean you can't stock a tank with as many fish, either.

You'll also have to take into consideration things like adult size, activity level (some sit in a cave in the rocks all day, others need a lot of swimming space), compatability (will they get along, eat each other, fight, etc.), feeding (if you want corals, snails, crabs, or shrimp are your fish going to eat them?), and so on.

For a beginning level, I would suggest cardinalfish, chromis, clownfish, longnose hawkfish, clown or citron goby, canary blenny, or firefish. These are small, relatively peaceful, and hardy. Your tastes for a final tank may run more toward larger or more predatory fish, though, but I'd still start with a few of those I mention above. I would recommend visiting a few fish stores or websites to see what fish you might like, then getting a book or good website and going through some species information to learn about their requirements and compatability - then plan your tank around that. If you have the wet/dr filter and a sump, that will increase your fish capacity by a little. The larger you can go, the better, because it helps keep water chemistry more stable (not to mention you get to put in more fish!) Larger tank volumes will help to keep temperature more stable a well.

If you're interested in getting into corals and other inverts, some will need more intense lighting - either a compact fluorescent or metal halide system (ot a combo of both) - because of linght intensity and heat, you should match your lighting to your organisms' needs and your tank size.

Some live rock is adviseable - it also contains live bacteria, plus other marine organisms, plus it will give your fish some hiding spots. You can buy some dry reef rock and stack good quality live rock in the front and top where it will be seen.

One piece of equipment that you don't find in freshwater is a protein skimmer. Although not absolutely required, they're stongly recommended, especially if you're keeping more than fish and using a cannister or hang-on filter. Skimmers remove dissolved organics which would otherwise contribute to your nutrient load.

Wet/dry filters are the best way to go for filtration. You can find plans for several DIY models on the internet - out of some pretty creative materials, too! Here are a few examples: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_wet_dry.php One user here is planning to use this design, but substitute bioballs for the scrubbers: http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-filter/111.asp .

One thing I'll say is that the people who seem to have the most success with a new saltwater set-up are those who do a lot of research on the topic first. Read as much as you can find about equipment and methods. For books, I highly recommend either The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-52-1 or The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner. Microcosm Ltd. ISBN 1-890087-02-5

As a website, I recommend http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ - there are numerous articles written by saltwater professionals as well as a moderated forum where you can ask questions. I'll put some other resources for you below, including a rough compatibility chart - use this more as a way to see what CAN'T go together than what can.

Some other links to info:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1990&articleid=2605
http://www.apapets.com/MarineEcosystem/whatto.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/index.cfm?cls=16
http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterBeginners.htm

Answer 2

Tons of great suggestions above. I agree, too small for a wet/dry to be cost efficient but if you want to build one best of luck to ya! A small canister (Fluval, Eheim, etc) would be fine. and your hanging filter will do ok too except that there isn't much in the way of biological filtration in one. Perhaps one with a bio wheel would be the safest bet.
All I could really add to the suggestions before mine would be to move slowly, don't rush! Let the tank cycle before you do too much. Throw in a few damsels after a week or so (be prepared to remove them once you add new fish as they tend to be a bit territorial and agressive..though mine have adapted well). Also, maybe consider a protein skimmer and UV Sterilizer. They help a ton in my opinion. Not something you need to do right away but definitely put them in the budget. Of course cured live rock is always a plus. 1lb per gallon is good. The main thing I recommend is ASK QUESTIONS! Ask everyone at the pet store..ask here..etc. www.drsfosterandsmith.com has a great fish compatibility chart and do well answering my occasional questions. Also, don't overfeed!! I think that's the biggest cause for issues in any tank, marine or otherwise. Fish are grazers. They don't typically like eating one big meal a day. Try VERY small meals several times a day (take out anything they don't eat in 30 seconds) instead. By very small I mean imagine small and cut it in half!

Answer 3

I love salt water tanks, but they can get very costly especially when you add up all the live rocks.

Best to get some cheap damsels (spelling?) and let them live in there for a month, it helps get the cycle going. then add the more expensive fish.

Also the lights are everything, they help the live rocks survive. But these get to be expensive too, plus you have to replace them often...

I had just sand on the bottom of my tank, but i had to clean (suck out) it at least once a week (not changing the water).
Don't over clean the tank, take out no more than 1/3 of the water per cleaning, and have the new water ready 5 hours in advance. i changes the water once a month sometimes less. The better the filter, plants, fish, snails you have the better the water quality. Its also better to put the filter in the middle not the side and have it on high you need to see the water moving, like it is at the pet store.

Feel free to email me if you have more Qs

Answer 4

I had a marine tank for 10 years but had to give it up when I moved. I started mine with 2 percula clown fish (tank raised). Both were hardy enough to survive my lack of knowledge including adding some uncured live rock (don't do this!).

For a 25 gal tank, I think the biowheel approach would give you the benefit of aerating the water without the need for a wet/dry filter, but that's your call. (There is even a biowheel with a skimmer built into it). There are plenty of articles on building wet/dry's. Mine was based on a 20 gal. tank.

Live sand, Live rock and a protein skimmer. These all help greatly. With enough Live rock you almost don't need a filter, but you will still benefit from a skimmer.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I would say you try to get clownfish as they are easy to maintain healthy. I would also try upgrading to a bigger tank due to the fact that saltwater fish live in massive area of water. It really depends on what you want to have your fish in and their maintenance.

Answer 6

Read marine tank books. They really help, especially with the filters.

Answer 7

first set up the tank then add water wait like 2 weeks put cheep salt water fish in there see if they live then start getting fish also read up on what fish cant be with what and what the temp, light, ph. has to be with each oh when you are setting up your tank you need about 35 pounds of live rock very very important salt water life wont be able to survive without it for long good luck and trust me your going to love it

Answer 8

You only have a 25 gallon, you do not need a wet dry filter.

saltaquarium.about.com/od/diywetdrytricklefilters/DIY_WetDry_Trickle_Filter_Plans.htm

Really. A good protein skimmer will get you further. Remember don't rush the set up of your tank.

If you need help feel free to email me.

Answer 9

There is lots of good reading on this site.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/
They even have a Do It Yourself Section DIY for filters and so on.

Answer 10

i have a marine tank and i found all my information,from my local aquatic center,they helped me set up the tank and gave me great advice,even now after a year of having it i still have problems,and they are only to willing to help me if you have an aquatic center near you i would ask them for advice