Converting fresh to marine

[shell4375]

Hi I am converting my sons 40g tropical tank to s/w and really need some info.
Already have internal filter on the tank and going to buy a powerhead.
That should be enough to create a decent current after reading about a million posts i know I need anbout 40lbs of live rock. Can get this already cured from aquarist a few miles away, can somebody let me know how long the tank will take to cycle.
I am a bit confused on the skimmer though I have found a internal skimmer but i am assuming this is for use with a sump which we don't and are not going to have ( he doesn't want to much outside the tank because it is in his bedroom) some really good deals on the net on external ones but not sure on size and things(info needed please) .
When do u add live sand?
Also we only live about 4 miles from the sea can u use sea water or do u have to mix ur own?
Not thinking about fish yet way to soon.
when do u add the clean up crew?
I think that is about it 4 now )
Thanks in advance
shell

 

[steelhealr]

Shell..check out my startup thread on the 24G to get an idea. Also, on that first page are links to 2 great books by Kurtz and Paletta. Must reads before starting up a tank. Research and reading are crucial before startup to help avoid costly and time consuming errors. Some thoughts:

1) Live sand and LR are added all at the same time to let cyele. Cycle time depends on if the rock is precured or not. Cured rock can be cycled right away or in a few days. Uncycled can be days to weeks.

2) At 40G's, I"d definitely recommend a skimmer. Look into the AquaC Remora HOB or CPR BakPak2..they can HOB.

3) LR is your main filter. Powerheads ciruculation. I am not sure what kind of filter you have. Sounds like an internal will get in the way. I would only use the filter to hold your media, eg ChemiPure or phosphate binder and void things like ceramic beads and sponge type stuff. An AquaClear HOB makes a good media holder.

4) I live 5-8 miles from the Atlantic.....local SW = boat head discharge, gasoline, motor oil and doody diapers. NOT. Better start thinking about what your source of pure water is going to be....?lfs RO or premixed SW? bottled? distilled? your own RO/DI unit?

5) Cleanup crew goes in after cycling and diatoms appear...about a week or less

6) Take one long last look at the green in your wallet (just teasing...welcome aboard)

SH

 

[shell4375]

Thanks so much for your help, My husband said the same thing as u about the salt water. Bought a couple of books today and reading the forum so i'm getting quite knowledgable quite quickly.
Thanks again i'll kepp updated