Super newbie

Hello everyone!
I am completely new to the saltwater hobby, but this forum seems to be the place to get started. I have several freshwater tanks, but I am thinking about trying to get into saltwater. I'd like to set up a ten gallon salt tank for some clownfish to get started (I know the smaller the tank the tougher it will be, but I'm working on a budget and I'd like to limit my expenses at the beginning.) I've got a tank, and heater ready to go, but I'm unsure if the rest of my freshwater equipment will be useful at all in the saltwater world. I've got several hang on back filters from past set ups ( mostly whisper filters of various sizes). Will these be good enough? Also what other equipment do I need to get started? I've got all the basic freshwater gear. How much of that will work for saltwater? Thanks in advance for all the help!

Jay

 

I use a 10 gallon tank for my hospital tank. I use a Penguin 330 GPH HOB filter and a Coralife Super Skimmer 65 (because I replaced it with an Eshopps skimmer on my 46 gallon tank and had it lying around). Other than that, just a heater, a Hydor pico powerhead, and some decorations for the fish to hide in. This works very well for me for the short time I keep fish in it (although I have had 3 in there for a month now, treated them with copper). I maintain 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and untraceable nitrates.

 

Welcome to 3reef! Depending on how your HOB filters are setup you might be able to use them. I would probably get a saltwater HOB because you will need more media than you would with fresh. Especially on a tank that small you will probably end up needing to add different combinations of media to keep it stable. I would get the tank all put together and get it running to see if any problems arise during the cycle.

Pics of your equipment would help determine if it will work or not.

 

Thanks for the replies! I'll get some pictures posted in the morning, but my equipment list is pretty simple. I've got a whisper pf10 and a whisper40i that I could use for filtration. The heater won't be a problem at all. Would the power head really be a necessity in a tank this small? I've got another 40i set up in a 20gal freshwater community tank and I find it provides a strong current. Do you think this would suffice? Also, I've never worked with a skimmer before. Any suggestions on a cheap one?
Thanks for the welcomes and help!

Jay

 

welcome to 3reef and to the hobby! You can make some of your FW materials work (your HOB can hold filter media - I wouldn't use the biowheel though) I know this is a silly tip but just in case...you need to use sand as a substrate - you don't want to use gravel. If you're willing to do regular water changes (weekly with a 10 gallon) you shouldn't need a skimmer. I think the power head you have should work to give some good flow.

You are going to love saltwater!

 

Agree, I have a maxi-jet 600 in my 8 gal. and the flow is perfect. The only reason I would consider a power head in the display section would be for alternating currents.

 

I'm thinking of setting up both filters. This way ill have the necessary flow coming from both sides. I'm not going to have a sump for now. I'll be moving in the next few months and I don't have the room or money currently to go all out like that, so all the equips are going to be in the display tank. But I'm thinking both the pf10 and the 40i on the sides will give the needed flow. Once I've got more space in a few months I may to convert my 40 gal to salt, but I want to dabble first.
Thanks for all the help guys! I'll post picks as I get the ten running.
Jay

 

This is exactly the kind of tips that I need. I was going to buy live sand anyway but it's these kinds of differences I'm unsure of. Thanks!