Marine Aquarium

[domjd05]

I have a 55g tank that I would like to make into a saltwater, fish only, marine tank..
I am new and in the process of learning what I would need to start one of these.. here are a few questions that I have

1. Is it true that I don't need higher powered lights if there is no live rock?
2. is it true I dont need real live rock?
3. can I still have those cool little sea anemone's? (haha)
4. would I need a protein skimmer?
5. other filtration requirements?

I am hoping to keep a few of the smaller saltwater fish.. no large ones obviously my tank is not big enough to support that.

Probably a few clowns..? maybe 2 or 3 others... maybe some invertabres (obviously no corals.. not sure what I can keep for those with no real live rock...)

What are some other key differences between a FO and a live reef tank..?

Oh, and just to make it clear.. I'm not going to purchase anything or even touch the tank until I know what I'm doing...or that I can even do it at all.

[squirt_12]

A 55g is a good starter size for a tank as it is easier to keep stable with the right care.

With the LR (live rock) it is much better for you to have about 1-2lbs per gallon. The LR serves as a biological filtration in the tank. It helps filter the tank and keep it cleaner and stable.

The difference between FO (Fish Only) and FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) is that FO is only fish and sand. You will need a very good filter for this and they are more difficult to keep stable than if you haev LR in the tank. A FOWLR is where you have about 1-2lbs of LR per gallon in the tank and then fish.

To keep an anemone you have to have a tank that is about 12 months mature and very good lighting. Probably T5 or MH.

A protein skimmer is a must for a tank of that size.

I would suggest that you do alot of research from the internet, asking questions, reading books before you attempt saltwater.

EDIT - You will also need other various things to keep the tank going well such as RO water, salt, hydrometer or refractometer, powerheads, test kit, etc.. Also, you don't need high powered lights if there is no LR or even when there is LR. You only need the good lighting (PC, T5, MH) if you are keeping coral.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

If you are even interested in doing this then the first thing I would recommend you do is go buy the book The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta. That book will answer everyone of the questions you asked and more. It is an excellent investment for any would-be marine hobbyist. Bob Fenner's book The Conscientious Marine Aquarist is also a great book but it is a rather expensive purchase if you end up not doing this. Michael Paletta's book can be obtained for $10-$20 on Amazon or Ebay whereas Fenner's book will run you close to $50.

[kaybee]

Yep, what they said. :)

[cocoa_pleco]

1. Is it true that I don't need higher powered lights if there is no live rock?
False, it all depends on corals. Live rock itself needs little light, all photosynthetic corals need light
2. is it true I dont need real live rock?
Kinda true, you can use dead rock
3. can I still have those cool little sea anemone's? (haha)
Providing you get appropriate lighting, conditions, and a mature tank (1-2 years old), yes
4. would I need a protein skimmer?
Definitely
5. other filtration requirements?
sump or fuge


__________________________________________________

[domjd05]

am i wrong.. or am i understanding that i can have corals with no real live rock?

[oldhead]

There are some that you can get away with having no LR. I would not suggest a tank without LR though. You really should try to pick up some literature on this subject before attempting to plan any set ups.

[domjd05]

Well my wife has claimed the 55g for her oscars, apparently I gave the tank to her a while ago.. whoops..

That leaves my 10g... is a 10g reef tank possible? you have convinced me that live rock is the way to go... I know bigger is better.. but this is all I have... is it possible?

[travie]

It is possible. But it takes a lot more time in the way of maintenance. The slightest mistake can lead to a big problem. You are better off trying to find a bigger tank on craigslist if you have room for a bigger tank.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

The question should not be "is it possible," but rather "Is it wise." Yes it is entirely possible, however, it being your first marine tank it would not be wise. Before you decide on your tank size, I'd suggest doing as much reading as possible on the subject and learn about marine aquariums in general. Once you have learned about how they work, then decide on tank size. Once you understand how things work you will discover that for a beginner, something that is at least 30gal would be much better.

[domjd05]

I visited a prominent coral and saltwater dealer today in my area, she is probably one of the most successful in the state.. she said nothing less then a 75 for your first tank... one person says 30, another says 75.. theres quite a difference.. blah

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Minimum first tank size is a subjective issue and you will find answers that will be in between both of those. I generally recommend 55 as a minimum but a 30 can be done without too much difficulty.

[domjd05]

I remember now, she recommended the 75 vs the 55 because the 75 was 18'' deep vs the 13'', and this makes it easier to place live rock and corals... I guess...

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

She's right. A 75 gal tank is far easier to aquascape than a 55.

[cocoa_pleco]

definitely get 18" of width, that was one of the worst things about my standard 55g, after you stuck in the live rock you had 3" infront for fish to go by. with 18" width in my 125g theres easily 10" of front swimming space

the width is also good for bulky lights like large T-5 and power compact fixtures

[bigblue]

I have brown algae on my rocks, and my water looks a little cloudy it maybe from the fish kicking up the sand with their tail. when can I put coral in the my tank?

[Halelorf]

You will need to wait while the tank cycles. When Ammonia and NiTRITE go test for zero then it will have cycled. Also you will need to keep niTRATES below 5 and if you can 0 when keeping coral. I would also stock some invertebrates as a cleanup crew, things like snails, before getting corals. Your tank will go through some algaes stages, brown being the first. These are diatoms which will fade away after some time (days to weeks) and then you will get green hair algae then cyanobacteria. This whole process can takes weeks to months, it's different for every tank.