Freshwater vs. saltwater

Had one of those and had heat issues also. Added a 12v fan and problems went away.... Wasn't pretty but they went away.

 

Thanks for all the helpful information. I am learning so much already and I've decided to take the plunge. Once I get my tank I will post pics and progress up for everybody to see. Thanks guys.

 

ImprovMaster and baugherb I would be very interested to know what kind of issues you've entered with the smaller tanks. Also, what kind of fish, coral, etc. do you have in your smaller tanks. Thanks!

 

I might get slaughtered for this answer but my first SW tank was one of those cheap 20g starter kits from walmart. I put a powerhead, live sand, 2 pieces of base rock (much cheaper than live), and a my tomato clown in from day one. Clowns are members of the damsel family and pretty hardy, They do still get mean when they grow up but IMO much better to look at. But be forwarned This was only early spring of this year and now I have a 55g that im struggling to find money to set up right.

The tanks grow faster than the fish!

 

Issue number one is SPACE!! I always want to add more lol but i have to stop myself

Issue 2 is heat It was over 100 degrees F. this week and the tank got up to 84 degrees F SCARY!!! i put RO ice cubes in often and opened the top and placed a fan next to the tank it survived.

sorry the pics arent great its a phone.....:-/




CONTENTS:

live rock and live sand are guesstamates

15 lbs of live rock and live sand

an anemome

ocellaris clown

2 blue devil damsels

cleaner shrimp (molted twice!!)

and a blue Linckia Sea star

I also have some coral i believe they are zoo polyps but im not sure...

and about 20 snails and hermit crabs.





thats my tank......

 

If you want to do a nano tank, I would do a open top with a clip on MH.... Less heat issues...

 

Agree. Nano knowledge greatly improved over last couple of years...

With some good study and a handful of good references, think it is great starting place for new and not sure, low budget Reefer...

Will become very infatuated with and will move up to a larger tank swiftly if has gotten down basic skills.

Or will quickly indicate that SW is not the way to go for and to find another hobby. :-/

3Reef best place to start...and you have done that...

Now get to studying. Little margin for error with a Nano...but certainly doable.


Startup References:



The Tao of Marine Aquaria (Tips for Our Hobby and Life)


3Reef Articles


Knowing How to Set Up a Marine Aquarium, Adam Blundell M.S.


Your First Reef aquarium: How to Create a Miniature Coral Reef System at Home.
by J. Charles Delbeek B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc.


About.com - Saltwater Aquariums 101 "Getting Started" FREE Email Course


Thinking about setting up a saltwater aquarium? (melevsreef.com)


An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 1) - Associated Content (Parrothead)


An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 2) - Associated Content (Parrothead)


A List Of Good Beginner Fish


Fish To Be Avoided - I


Fish To Be Avoided - II


Your Aquarium Cleanup Crew


Corals: What They Are and How They Live, by J. Charles Delbeek


Answers to about Everything - Marine Aquarium Articles and FAQ's -
WebMedia.com

 

k, dude

Here's what I did. Maybe it's not the best thing in the world but I have a lot of professional help and so far I am on the right track.

The bigger the tank the easier the upkeep. 30 gallon should do the trick.
Get a sump or maybe a self contained biofiltering system (maybe a good 25lbs of rock.) you can DIY the biofilter for under$115. Mix your salt and start the system. Do it as right as you can the first time. Pile in the sand and rock and let it sit there with the light off for 3-4 days. you should start cycling from day one, up to 1 month. Go to the fish store and get the red container of biozyme and follow the instructions. always add to the filter never the water (for things other than food.) get a good light and after a month start testing and adding some hearty fish.

Man, if you go slow and be patient, ask questions and take your time you could have a really nice tank by the end of July. You're good with freshwater so you should have no problem getting squared away with salt in a matter of weeks.

 

let me clarify. 30 can do the trick for you. I have a 30g freshwater and after 6 months I could take it. I got a nice 75 for SW. I like the space and easy of use the 30's have to offer. and most of these people are right, smaller=more time consuming. but seriously, you don't need the high priced fancy things that everyone has. if you're diligent then you can get away with a biofilter, rock, live sand, a small PH and that's IT! don't flip out and start adding things to counteract something else. it's a biological system, it WILL find an equilibrium. just give it what it needs.

Good luck

 

my 1st sw tank was a 5 gallon with 3lbs of rock and an inch of sand.i waited 3 wks and added a yellow tail damsel.another 3 wks and added a peppermint shrimp then a couple months later i added a white an black damsel and i kept it like that for 18 months before getting a larger tank.i changed a gallon every wk and just used the regular light it came with cause i had no corals.