135 gallon Cichlids to saltwater set up help

I have a 135 gallon aquarium that I have been using it for cichlids. I would like to change it to salt water. I need your help with what to buy to get me started.
I want my maintenance easy so I was told fish only would be best for that reason and to stay away from corals. If this is wrong, let me know.
I have LED lights that have the blue and white that light up on each of the four panels and I have left over Florida Crushed Coral for use at the bottom of my aquarium (substrate?).
I have three doors in my stand at the bottom and this is where I would like to hid my pump and whatever else I need for my aquarium
Can you please tell me what I need to get going with my hobby please?
Thanks, Jack

 

Buy dry rock as opposed to live rock from Marco Rocks, Bulk Reef Supply or Reef Cleaners. I would suggest getting sand instead of crushed coral. The crushed coral can cause nitrate issues, but it is not as important in fish only tanks. The live rock will work as your filter for the nitrogen cycle. Buy or make a sump to house your equipment that is about 20% the volume of your display. Buy a skimmer rated for 135 gallons at heavy load. Buy a return pump the produces 10 times the sumps volume at 4 foot head.

 

thanks

Thanks for the quick and I am sure useful reply.

I am confused on a lot of what you are saying.

I understand on the sand and not the crushed coral. Any decent place to buy that, so it isnt so expensive?

I also have lava rock with cave type holes in it that I used for my cichlids and giving them hiding places. Can I use it for my rock in my tank? I have a little over 100 pounds. I don't want my fishing hiding all the time like my cichlids did.

I assume it is cheaper to build a sump than buying one? What kind and where would you suggest I buy a sump and do you have directions on building, materials, and price?

Do I need live rock?

I was told to not have as much maintenance that I should do fish only. Is this true?
If so, then I will just put fish in it I guess?

Where and what kind of sump can I get at a good price?

What is this and what do I ask for and brand? Buy a return pump the produces 10 times the sumps volume at 4 foot head.

Is there a discount or a place to buy any used or are these just things I need to purchase new and online?

I am just new at slatwater and I appreciated your answers and any others in helping me.

Looking forward to responses.

 

I think you will find it both challanging and rewarding. And addictive ;D

 

Imo you should get mostly dry or base rock but also get some live rock as well to seed the dry. It should help cycle your tank faster and bring in beneficial bacteria and other helpful creatures. However, many people don't use live and have a healthy tank.

For the sand, imo I wouldn't go with anything "live" because it has been sealed in a dry bag for so long I personally don't think there is anything living in it that would be useful. Also, I bought play sand from Lowe's for a couple bucks per 50 pounds and the fish seem to love it. It's very soft and the corys in my freshwater are always digging in it happily and my puffer seems to enjoy sleeping on it. You have to rinse the sand in a bucket out before using it until the water pours out clear but I have heard it's good to do for "aquarium" sand as well. I believe it's supposed to not be as good for corals, but corals are a lot harder to take care of.