In over my head?

[Dissy]

Currently, I have a 60 gallon freshwater tank, whose occupants are moving to a 125 gallon within 2 months or so...

That will leave me with a spare 20 gallon, 30 gallon, and 60 gallon tank. I *think* I would like to try and take on a saltwater tank in the 60 gallon. Corals and such scare the bejeezus out of me, but I think I could handle a fish only tank with maybe some live rock.

For starters, can anything I have for my freshwater tank be reused for the salt water? I have a 300 watt heater, an Odyssea cfs 4 canister filter, and a 36" 156w t5 light with white lights, blue lights, and blue mood leds...

Next, I know I'd need a protein skimmer, an API master test kit for saltwater, some salt, and that's about all I know.


If you can't tell, my saltwater knowledge is limited to looking at pretty fishes in the store when I go shopping for toys for my cichlids..


Help!

Please?

[chrisfont23]

Nah. It's more daunting at first than anything. I actually did it a while ago (FW->Brackish->Full Marine). For fish only, you can reuse your tank (obviously - I would go with the 60 as you have more room for mistakes), the heater, the filter * and lights. Regarding the filter - I use one w/ no problems. IMO, no pads and only use it for phosphate removal and carbon. I would even supplant the foam pads w/ some fragments of live rock. * - Be sure to clean as trapped detritus will cause nitrate spikes. A protein skimmer is a huge addition as it will pull nitrates and other garbage from your water. I would strongly recommend it. The SW kit is always essential. In addition to nitrites, ph, nitratesm amm, look for one that measures phosphates and calcium. Only other adds would be a hydrometer/refractometer, powerhead (for flow) and sand (aragonite sand). Use non-silicate sand (ie. no play sand from home depot) for best results - check Carib Sea etc. Aim for 1-1.5 lbs of live rock per gallon and about 3-4 inches of sand bed. Food is different too. Research by fish I suppose. And finally fish -acclimation is much different. In general, I temp acclimate mine for 30 mins and drip acclimate for about 3-4 hrs depending on species. Read up on it.

IMO, the biggest eye opener going from FW to SW is (obviously) the water. But not just the salt. The type of water you choose to mix with the salt makes a difference. I wouldn't use tap + a dechlorinator. I use RO/DI water that is basically stripped of all minerals with a TDS (total dissolved solids) reading of 0. Water for fish, inverts and corals - should you go there - is one of the biggest parts of the hobby that differs. A good RO/DI unit costs about $150 - $200. If thats not in your budget, you can use distilled water or RO water from a local supermarket.

My up front costs were about $1000. Figure about avg equipment since this was also my first go 'round. I am now looking at a Red Sea Max 250 for the Spring of 2012. I believe in research. Which is why i am waiting. So read a lot. Start off right. That way if you add corals, you wont have to make drastic changes with equipment (except for that light). And IMO, corals are easier than fish!

[leebca]

Dissy,
Almost everything you need to know is found here:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Take time and give it a thorough read through. ;)