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RE: Starting a saltwater

FastFoward5k — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:01:51 GMT

In saltwater, starting small is using a big tank.

RE: Starting a saltwater

saltyfresh — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:13:22 GMT

Sorry if i seemed misleading. As I said in my other post, a 55g is a great beginner size and don't be intimidated by all the SW language. you'll pick it up as you go along. a fish only with a cleaning crew is a great way to go and almost all the synthetic salt mixes on the market, when used as directed, will already put your trace elements, PH and salinity in check from the get go. you will see some fluctuations at first but it's just part of the cycling process and nothing to be alarmed with. if your really interested, reconsider putting it off and enjoy the hobby.

RE: Starting a saltwater

tmac1rebok — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:55:13 GMT

what college do you go to? you year? and where's the tank, with your parents?

*Trust me, if your willing to convert your 55gallon tank and stick with fish only for awhile (w/ of course snails, crabs, and possibly stars) then it's not only doable but worth it. In my opinion a 55gallon tank is the best size to start with for a saltwater tank. Bonus w/ SW is ur friends might actually think its cool! haha sorta joking but still

RE: Starting a saltwater

scottneth06 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:14:54 GMT

Thanks alot I probably wont start this for a while cause im in college and I want to wait til classes start again to make sure i have enough time for my freshwater before i take on a larger project and i would love to upgrade to a much larger fw tank and just use my 55 gal for my sw but i just dont have the time thanks again i plan to take atleast 5 or 6 months just to do research since this is much more expencive than my tank now

RE: Starting a saltwater

saltyfresh — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:04:24 GMT

my first saltwater tank was a 29g and it was difficult to keep up with simply due to the fact that chemical changes in the water are far greater than in a larger tank and it easily stresses the fish. I upgraded to a 55g within a year because i was tired of losing fish.

Think of it this way, if you put a shot of vinegar in a glass of water and drank it, it would turn your stomach. but if you put the same shot in a swimming pool, you would hardly know it was there. Thats how Ammonia , Nitrites and Nitrates will effect your fish. A larger tank is much more forgiving for someone new to saltwater fish keeping than a small tank.

you should do what works for you, your space and budget. also keep in mind that if you are using an old fresh water tank and used any Ich or fungus meds in the past, it will effect any future invertebrates that you may keep in the new saltwater tank. invert are very sensitive to copper and that is the base of most meds for fish. glass is porous and my still contain traces of copper from past treatments. a new tank is the safest way to go unless your going to do fish only!

there is so much more to saltwater fish keeping than i can explain in one sitting but please do some research and speak with people at your local fish store's (Lfs). They are a great resource for beginners and don't make the mistakes that I have. research and ask about all your potential purchases before you make them. there are great people on this site with a wealth of knowllege that are always willing to offer their experiences and recommendations. I wish you the best of luck and dont be afraid to ask questions !!!

RE: Starting a saltwater

Hailey — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:05:48 GMT

It is large enough, but you could only have a couple of small fish, and it will be harder to maintain than a larger tank. It is doable, but requires more research before jumping in.

Starting a saltwater

scottneth06 — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:53:35 GMT

I already have a 55gal freshwater tank and I have always been interested in saltwater. I just wondered if a 20 or 30 gallon tank would be large enough for salt water.