new to salt water

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by scottn2696, Dec 28, 2012.

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  1. scottn2696

    scottn2696 Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2012
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    Location:
    Gainesville
    I have had a 10 gallon freshwater tank for over a year now. I have started a new tank that i will be using for salt water with a 150 gph filter and a heater. I added the water and my hydrometer says its 1.026 sg also im using live sand for substrate. I am using just a regular flurescent light bulb Im thinking of adding these big backyard rocks instead of live rock and having it be a fish only tank. Any opinions on this? Also what could i stock it with? Thanks
     
    scottn2696, Dec 28, 2012
    scottn2696, Dec 28, 2012
    #1

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  2. rgoedhart

    rgoedhart Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2012
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    Location:
    Rindge, NH

    Scott,

    Stocking will fully depend on the size of the system and filtration. I personally would strongly advice against using backyard rocks, you don't know what this may bring in to your tank.

    Live rock is beneficial for a multitude of reasons, including, but not limited to hosting beneficial bacteria and creatures that will benefit any fish you intend to keep greatly and add to the sustainability of your system.

    Posting on this forum prior to actually doing these things and purchasing fish was a good idea though, many people here will have very good feedback for you!

    Good luck!
     
    rgoedhart, Dec 28, 2012
    rgoedhart, Dec 28, 2012
    #2
  3. Jake1

    Jake1 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2011
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    You might have trouble keeping your ph at the right lvl with that rock also might have a algae problem. You can get dry reef rock for a good price. With a 10 gal you will be limited on the fish.
     
    Jake1, Dec 28, 2012
    Jake1, Dec 28, 2012
    #3
  4. scottn2696

    scottn2696 Plankton

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    Dec 28, 2012
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    Location:
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    I went to the lfs and bought 12 pounds of live rock and some live bacteria to help with the cycling. Still any advice on stocking, i was thinking just one clownfish but im not sure on the cleanup crew.
     
    scottn2696, Dec 30, 2012
    scottn2696, Dec 30, 2012
    #4
  5. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

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    One clown would work. For a CuC, a few snails (go to Reefcleaners.org for ideas on what works for a 10 gal), maybe a couple small hermits, and a shrimp (scarlett skunk cleaner, blood red, or even a coral banded). Start small either way and add as needed.
     
    Marshall O, Dec 30, 2012
    Marshall O, Dec 30, 2012
    #5
  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    You can also buy baserock, and seed it with a very small amount of live rock with corrailline on it.
    This is the most common method

    Keep up the good work and take heed to the masters (not me) advise on this site
    !!

    Welcome!
     
    Todd_Sails, Dec 30, 2012
    Todd_Sails, Dec 30, 2012
    #6

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  7. Flaring Afro

    Flaring Afro Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Assuming you mean an orange clown, that would work. Some others get way too big (like maroons).
     
    Flaring Afro, Jan 3, 2013
    Flaring Afro, Jan 3, 2013
    #7