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Hey everyone, I have two freshwater tanks, ones a 10 gallon, the other a 50, but at the moment, my 50 gallon is occupied with 2 convict chichlids and about 300 babies, 1 pleco, and 1 red pacu... My 10 gallon has an oscar that I will be getting rid of fairly soon. I've always wanted to set up a salt water tank. I know it takes work and money and a lot of research, I was just wondering if I could possibly start off using my 10 gallon tank just to get the hang of things, get some practice in before I waste my time and money on my 50 gallon tank. I don't want to waste time, effort and money if I just can't seem to get it right. I would really appreciate it if someone could IM me on AIM and answer a few more questions for me, I don't want to bombard the board with dumb questions and what. My AIM is MrUKnoWhoItIs. Thanks in advance.
Tony
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| Hey Tony, Welcome to the Marine Depot Forums Unfortunately I am not on AIM, but what you are looking for is exactly the type of information we want posted on this forum. You certainly can start up a 10 gallon saltwater tank (normally tanks around 20-30 gallons and smaller are called nano tanks for saltwater). Are you looking at setting it up with just some fish, or are you looking at setting up a reef tank with corals? Take a look at this article about nano systems that might help out some. You will also need to keep fish that do not get too large (max of about 1-2") and only keep a few (maybe 1-4 fish depending on their max size). Let us know your plans (reef or fish only) and we can try to help out more.
________________________________________________ Keith "Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer
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Thanks
For now, fish only. But if I do have success with it, then I would like to turn my 50 gal into a salt water with fish and reef.
For the 10 Gal Fish only tank, what kind of equipment would be needed that I don't already have. I have the basics, filter, heater, air and a hood light.
Thanks again, im going to check out that link you gave me.
Oh im getting so excited! hehe.
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| Here is an items needed article that should help out some along with a set up article. But basically for a 10 gallon tank the way I would set it up would be some live rock, some sand on the bottom, a good protein skimmer and your heater. The article will go more into salt, hydrometer/refractormeter and such though. Don't use the air (assuming you mean airstone and airpump) on a saltwater tank unless you don't mind a lot of clean up. When the bubbles pop at the surface they spray saltwater all over and you get something called salt creep. Using a protein skimmer will help aerate the water plenty for you. If any other questions come up let us know.
________________________________________________ Keith "Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy." Wayne Dyer
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Welcome to MD forum. Glad to hear your interested in salt water aquaria. Something I wanted to add is to make sure you have good water parameter test kits and check your water often. In smaller tanks the dilution factor is very small and the slightest change can cause problems. I hope your 10 gal works out well and you decide to expand to bigger tanks. Again welcome.
TomNot knowing something is usually a milestone on the way to knowledge.
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You guys have been very helpful and I want to thank you guys again. It's good to see this world still has good people.
But I am kind of aggravated. I went to my local Petco hoping to come home with something, even if it was just salt mix, but the dude there said I couldn't turn my 10 gal. into a salt water aquarium. And because I work an average of 6-7 hrs a day, I can't have one because I have to check it at least 3 times a day. I got the impression if you have a job, you can't have a salt water aquarium and I know that's not the case. Errrr. he just really brought me down.
Back on track... Exactly how many pounds of sand and liverock would I need? And how much am I looking to spend? I know I don't need the filter because the liverock would act as a natural filter. sorry about all of the questions, but I am really determined to do this, it's always been something I've wanted to do for a long time, and now with a job and all, I can do it... And to shut that dude up at Petco. haha. Thanks again guys, you guys are awesome.
Tony
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I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Just remember that most LFS employees espicially Pet Co are more than likely to be minimum wage non hobbyists. I've been in the hobby for 40yrs and I will say that many years ago a 10 gal salt tank was unheard of. There have been many advancements made since then and now it is possible. The nano tanks that you buy now have an excellent filtration system built in but you can still do it on your own. A 10 gal tank is going to take more attention than a larger tank but don't get discouraged. IMO I wouldn't invest alot of money in livestock untill you have a handle on the keeping of marine aquaria but you have to start somewhere. Keep posting with any questions that's what the forum is here for.
TomNot knowing something is usually a milestone on the way to knowledge.
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Thanks Tom. I appreciate it. Do you think I am better of buying a nano tank or no? If it's easier, then i'll take that road. I'm just looking to start small for now. I want experience in setting up, maintaining, and keeping a salt water aquarium so in about a year or so, I can turn my 50 gal fresh water into a salt water and know what I am doing before I waste all the money and what not. You know?
PS- If Nano Tanks are better and easier, which would you recommend?
Tony
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It all depends on your finances. If you purchase an over the counter nano tank all the adequet filtration, lighting, etc will be included. It will be alot less work for you but more expense. I know this dosen't help much but it's really up to you. IMO I would go with the nano tank if it is within your budget. It's something you will keep forever and give you an excellent start in the hobby.
TomNot knowing something is usually a milestone on the way to knowledge.
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 Posted 3/4/2008 10:24:10 PM |
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