Any advice on starting a salt water tank?

Question

I have a 30 gallon freshwater tank now and all is hunky dorie. I ran across a great deal on another 30 gallon tank plus the stand (got both for 20 bucks) So I am thinking of starting a salt water tank because those fish are just simply gorgeous BUT I have know idea how to do it, what to start with, how to maintain it. Any help would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

A 30 gallon is a good size for a starter tank. As others have said, a good book is your best resource. Since you apparently have some experience with freshwater, that can help with some of the basics.

The main differences you'll encounter are some of the added equipment that doesn't apply to freshwater, and the behavior and stocking of the fish.

Although the live rock is "optional" in a fish only tank, I'd still recommend it for the added biological filtration and to make natural "caves" where your fish can swim and hide. The rocks as well as the substrate should be composed of aragonite (shells or crushed coral) to help buffer the pH which should be kept 8.2-8.4.

You'll also need a hydrometer to mix the salt and water to the correct salinity (1.020-1.026 for fish, 1.024-1.026 if invertebrates present). Glass ones are more accurate, but more likely to break.

A protein skimmer is another item that can really help you out, but isn't absolutely required. This remove dissolved and fine particulate organics from the water that would other wise contribute to the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate in the tank.

Other than that, the equipment is essentially that found in freshwater. You'll need a heater, filter, lighting (a standard lighting system is fine for fish-only, but if you intend to keep photosynthetic invertebrates or macroalgae, you'll need to get something along the lines of a compact fluorescent or metal halide system).

As far as the fish, saltwater species tend to be more territorial and aggressive (although there are a few peaceful, schooling species), and they're more intolerant of poor water quality, so you generally can't stock as many fish as with a freshwater tank. To reduce aggression, do a bit of research on any species you intend to keep, and try to avoid stocking related aggressive or semi-aggressive fish, or fish with similar coloration or body shape.

I'll put a few links for you below. Good luck with the new tank.

Answer 2

I would start with a fish only saltwater tank, 30 gallons in minimum size, so your OK there. Fish only tank is easier to maintain and treat your fish, should they get sick! In a reef tank it is very difficult to treat sick fish, live rock is very sensitive and also very expensive($10.00 a pound) and needs special lighting that is very expensive! If you do a fish only tank I recommend using live sand, it has beneficial bacteria to help your cycle along( you will be able to add fish sooner). Also make sure you have an excellent power filter, power head or protein skimmer, hydro meter, saltwater test kit and salt mix. You should start with hardier fish, damsels are good but are territorial and should be added last, tangs are great also. Go to livelore.com to see saltwater fish profiles and compatibility charts! Good luck!

Answer 3

Buy books on how to do it and ask your local pet shop for help That's what My dad did when he started a saltwater tank I don't know If 30 gallon is going to be big enough you won't be able to buy some of the big fish

Answer 4

my first piece of advice is to research all the fish you want to keep buy books they are the most helpful because yo can go back and refresh your memory if you need to also go to google and search for free saltwater aquarium eboook and you will find everything you need to know

Answer 5

dont! trust me tried haveing a big fish tank, it gets so messy! and if its a big tank then it is so hard to keep clean. i wouldnt start a salt water tank unless you really want to.

Answer 6

stay with fresh... those $30 and up saltwater fish don't look so pretty going down the toilet.