what do you need to start a saltwater aquarium?

Question

I have a 29 gallon tank i currently have freshwater fish but I do want salt water one day. Not now of coarse. I want to know what I would need to start off a saltwater aquarium. I love the colors of the fish and everything about saltwater. I did freshwater to start with since im still a beginner at fish keeping. I want to know what I would need and how much everything would cost. Corals, live rocks, sand, water, fish (how many I could have in a 29 gallon tank), everything and anything. I am open to hear anything about keeping it just dont be rude and say google things or do your research. Ive done research and googled a lot about it. If I have to get a bigger tank I might be open for it but I dont have enough room for it at the time. Please help me with a saltwater aquarium. I would really appreciate everyones help with it

Answer 1

Since you're still doing some research, I'd recommend watching some of Mr. Saltwater Tank's videos. Mark Callahan has been in the hobby for decades, and gives really great advice. I only wish I'd discovered his website sooner!



http://www.youtube.com/user/mrsaltwatertank#p/u



In fact, he has created his own saltwater setup guide that he should be re-releasing for sale again soon. It's worth a look if you want to do a marine tank correctly without all the mind-numbing internet surfing and book skimming.



http://www.youtube.com/user/mrsaltwatertank#p/u/8/B8wqdDdKs9A



As for some basic stuff you'll need for setting up a tank (assuming you will be doing a fish-only tank), here's a basic list.



A bigger tank--I really recommend you start with something a wee bit larger than 29 gallons for your first tank.



Protein skimmer

marine salt

refractometer to measure salinity

powerheads

live rock and sand

heater

RO/DI water



fish-only tanks do not need special lighting



For a reef tank, t5 lighting or better will need to be implemented. Expect to spend at least $1000, but if you buy the right stuff and do your tank right the first time around, you'll have a much more enjoyable time in the hobby.

Answer 2

A small tank for two clownfish is a 25 gallon or larger. The 24-29 gallon nano cubes are great for a small species of clownfish, like the percula or ocellaris (the ones in Nemo). The nano cubes have the filtration and lights, you just need the heater and extras, like salt, hydrometer, test kit, thermometer, rock and sand. The cubes are a couple hundred for the cheaper ones, but they are great for beginners, and fairly complete simple systems. Yes, saltwater can be a challenge and is not for the lazy or busy people who cannot stay on top of their tank maintenance. Live rock made keeping saltwater aquariums much easier. You don't need corals, in fact avoid them to begin with, but definitely get live rock. In a 24 gallon tank, get at least 20 lbs of live rock, and more ideally 24-36 lbs. You want to get all your rock to start, and not try to add a bunch later, as rock can have some die off in transport and potentially cause an ammonia spike when added later. The small ammonia spike is great at the beginning with no fish to start the cycling, which is also much shorter with live rock. Expect the rock to set you back 0-00. A great place to start is with a cheap and easy book that will cover the basics. I love The New Marine Aquarium because it is a small, easy read, but is packed full of basic information. You can usually get it on Amazon for cheap. It will have an equipment checklist.

Answer 3

RE:

what do you need to start a saltwater aquarium?

I have a 29 gallon tank i currently have freshwater fish but I do want salt water one day. Not now of coarse. I want to know what I would need to start off a saltwater aquarium. I love the colors of the fish and everything about saltwater. I did freshwater to start with since im still a beginner at...

Answer 4

There are a lot of factors to consider when you start a saltwater aquarium. Despite what people think this hobby can be as expensive or as cheap as you like. There are may DIYers out there that use alternative product to achieve the same job.



As a starting point I will list some items you will need, obviously these will vary depending on the size of tank you buy.



Depending on what you would like to keep in your tank live rock is not essential but you will need good filtration if you are not going to use live rock.



1. Glass Tank

2. Heater

2. Thermometer

4. Sea salt ie Red Sea Salt

5. Sand or other substrate

6. Power heads or other device to help circulate water

7. Refractometer or Hydrometer

8. Adequate Lighting - if you plan to eventually get corals research lighting as there is no point in buying twice.

9. RO Water or RO Unit

10. Plenty of time.



This is just a starter to some of the items you will need. There are many more things you may need in the future, such as surface skimmers, protein skimmers, calcium and other supplements. Even Milliput or other reef safe epoxy to help shape and piece your live rock together.



One important thing to remember is that with marine fish they need more room than what you would use for your standard tropical or cold water fish as they generally live in the ocean and have vast amounts of space to move around.

Answer 5

well, I'm going to tell you to do more research, because I'm not retyping a book for you, but look at nano reefs,

you'll need expensive lights, lots of pumps for circulation,

live rock bought in three purchases spread two months apart.

and limit yourself to two or three very small fish that stay very small.

other than that, you can almost do without filtration, almost.