Hi Salties

[Kizz]

Hi Seems a tad daunting posting over on this side of the forum . I'm a constant stalker but first time poster

To cut a long story short , We have new aquatic store opening very very close to where i stay that will have a marine section . I've always admired them in the years i've been fish keeping and activly red Seffie & Trod's journal's when started a few years ago . I have a relitivly small 24x12x12 Clearseal tank. Question 1 is - Could i turn this marine ? It currently houses some fry which while growing i'm hoping to cram myself full of knowledge and pick up some bits n pieces that may be needed if i can convert it over .

I would preffer to keep mostly coral's and inverts with clown fish (as my son would love them ) or 1-2 other fish and possibly a star fish (seen a gorgeous red one and dobbies and fell in love ) I'm wanting something a bit low maintence but amazing to watch .

If it is feesable to switch what do i need ? Here's a small rundown of what i think i need if you can add or tell me which brands cheapest etc etc then dive in n help

Tank (Duh!)
Live sand ? how many Kg?
Live Rock ? would a Kilo be too much ?
Salt water test kit
Filter? unsure on this as have seen people running filters and other's not so rather stumped (assumed LR done this job for me ?)
Lighting i only have space for 1 bulb in the tank is this sufficient ?
Bucket's for R/O water
Something to measure Salinty of water (Forgot name !)
Skimmer?
Powerhead?

Have i missed anything ?

Thanks
Kizz

 

[woody88]

Hi Seems a tad daunting posting over on this side of the forum . I'm a constant stalker but first time poster

To cut a long story short , We have new aquatic store opening very very close to where i stay that will have a marine section . I've always admired them in the years i've been fish keeping and activly red Seffie & Trod's journal's when started a few years ago . I have a relitivly small 24x12x12 Clearseal tank. Question 1 is - Could i turn this marine ? It currently houses some fry which while growing i'm hoping to cram myself full of knowledge and pick up some bits n pieces that may be needed if i can convert it over .

I would preffer to keep mostly coral's and inverts with clown fish (as my son would love them ) or 1-2 other fish and possibly a star fish (seen a gorgeous red one and dobbies and fell in love ) I'm wanting something a bit low maintence but amazing to watch .

If it is feesable to switch what do i need ? Here's a small rundown of what i think i need if you can add or tell me which brands cheapest etc etc then dive in n help

Tank (Duh!)
Live sand ? how many Kg?
Live Rock ? would a Kilo be too much ?
Salt water test kit
Filter? unsure on this as have seen people running filters and other's not so rather stumped (assumed LR done this job for me ?)
Lighting i only have space for 1 bulb in the tank is this sufficient ?
Bucket's for R/O water
Something to measure Salinty of water (Forgot name !)
Skimmer?
Powerhead?

Have i missed anything ?

Thanks
Kizz

Don't quote me on this but I think that size tank would be too small imo. Maybe you could always have a nice little zoa garden and maybe a shrimp but I think your gonna be pushed for a clown or 2 as they need a min of 25G......I think. [How many gallons is your tank].
Also your gonna need decent lighting [T5/Halide etc] If you want coral/s

As for your list,you will need a Refractometer for measuring the salinity [SG] of the water. [Dont get a hydrometer as they're inaccurate].

The rest of your list looks good tho. You will need to think about running phosphate remover for your corals and to keep nuisance algae down [either a hob style reactor or as media in an external cannistor filter/power filter]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but maybe someone can shed some light on your subject.

Once again this is my opinion only and others may dis-agree.

If you do decide to take the plunge to the salty side then may I be the first to say Welcome!

 

[Kizz]

Thanks for reply woody . I was lookin at shrimp I believe they are called cleaner shrimp . Largish red and white ? Do you know of any fish that would be suitable . Using the calculater above it measures as 19 gallons's . I would love to convert my 112Gallon tank but feel that's a bit jumping in at the deep end . Rather expensively in that tank's case ! The 19G tank is the biggest I can go as the tank is in my kitchen.

Thanks
Kizz

 

[woody88]

Thanks for reply woody . I was lookin at shrimp I believe they are called cleaner shrimp . Largish red and white ? Do you know of any fish that would be suitable . Using the calculater above it measures as 19 gallons's . I would love to convert my 112Gallon tank but feel that's a bit jumping in at the deep end . Rather expensively in that tank's case ! The 19G tank is the biggest I can go as the tank is in my kitchen.

Thanks
Kizz

Hi. 19 gallons isn't too bad tbh so you might be able to have a clown in there but dont quote me on that.
A cleaner shrimp would be fine [I have one in my Nano].
You could have a small variety of soft coral but like I said you will defo need to upgrade the lighting to a minimum of T5's.

A larger tank, believe it or not, is much easier to maintain than a nano sized tank as they are more 'forgiving' if you make a mistake/pollute the water/Decaying fish etc as theyre would be more live rock to house more good bacteria/organisms to combat any ammonia/Nitrite spike etc.

Preferably, the bigger the tank, the better, but I think you will be ok with the 19G tbh.

I'd rather leave it to someone else to suggest fish stocking tbh as I would'nt want to give you the wrong advice.

Good luck!...And keep us posted [Why not start a journel?]

 

[Kizz]

Main reason I want to use the smaller tank is too see if I can manage it . Need help the corals thrive and keep the fish alive . Water changes sources r/o water and gettin it to house ( I don't drive lol) also the expense of it all . I calculated a 25 % water change on the 112 and that's nearly 30 galls of water each change not including what I'd need to for top up's etc . Still have at least another 2-3 months until fry will be ready to rehome so plenty time for savin buying bit's n bobs etc

Thanks again for replies all information is greatly received just now ! Total newbie on the salty side

Thanks
Kizz

 

[woody88]

Main reason I want to use the smaller tank is too see if I can manage it . Need help the corals thrive and keep the fish alive . Water changes sources r/o water and gettin it to house ( I don't drive lol) also the expense of it all . I calculated a 25 % water change on the 112 and that's nearly 30 galls of water each change not including what I'd need to for top up's etc . Still have at least another 2-3 months until fry will be ready to rehome so plenty time for savin buying bit's n bobs etc

Thanks again for replies all information is greatly received just now ! Total newbie on the salty side

Thanks
Kizz

No probs!...........Keep us all informed, and we'll try and help you in any way we can.
We could practically hold your hand and guide you through it. Step by step!

 

[Kizz]

Nice to know that there's on hand advice when i need it . Haven't said anything to anyone who knows me about converting it over . Shall let it me a nice little surprise for when babies go and the LR goes in ! lol was having a browse at Nano ? Tanks and came across this on >Here< Unsure on if it's 10USG or UKG , I would love something along the same lines as this.

Would just like a saltie vet to come along and confirm if i can change it over that way the fun can begin researching coral's etc , Already seena few i would like but unsure on if they are suitable for tank that size

Thanks
Kizz

 

[Donya]

I would preffer to keep mostly coral's and inverts with clown fish (as my son would love them ) or 1-2 other fish and possibly a star fish (seen a gorgeous red one and dobbies and fell in love ) I'm wanting something a bit low maintence but amazing to watch .

To be safest for both the tank's other stock and any starfish involved, ornamental starfish should really be left to specialized tanks and/or much larger tanks. While the definition of "large enough" is usually based on how much food the sand bed and/or rock can supply, which differs on a tank-by-tank basis, 19-gal is almost certainly not over that threshold given how large many stars can get. Hardier star species like chocolate chips would would risk eating other inverts in the tank, and the more fragile but invert-safe species are at risk of starving to death over several months and then nuking the tank on death. Dead stars decay VERY fast compared to other animals, and a large decaying thing is always going to be more of a problem in smaller volumes of water. If you're dead set on starfish, there are basically only a few options that will thrive long-term in a small tank while also not eating everything in it: certain Asterina stars and brittle/serpent stars. Small brittles/serpents will be safe, but odds are they'll find a hole to hide in and you'll only ever see a their tippy-toes. Larger serpent stars have been known to take small fish.

 

[Harry1996]

On a bigger tank you can do smaller water changes so say 10-15%
Could you buy a all in one kit? like an orca tl450 or something of the sort?
Any way for lighting would get 2 24W T5 lights with reflectors That would get you soft corals and some LPS corals

You could get a goby or maybe a shrimp + goby pair.
You dont need live sand but i got some because i couldnt be bothered to wash the dry sand

You will need 6kg of live rock

 

[Kizz]

Thanks for all the replies

To Donya . I'm not set on starfish persay if i could keep one that would be ace if not then that's fine too , Only reason i asked about it was due to seeing one on saturday whilst out lfs browsing and it's was red . Like proper bright red and not much bigger than the palm of my hand so about 3" diamater . If your saying it's for a more experienced keeper then i'll take your word on that one !

And to Harry . I am now contemplated perhaps just buying an all in one kit . Even with proposed upgrade on my FW tank i could possibly squeeze another smallish tank into livingroom . Now i'm lookin into it more don't really see the point in having a lovely looking tank stuck away in the kitchen . Just a case of either finding a cheapish brand new one . I'm also going to have a look see if there is any 2nd marine tanks that people are selling . Would preffer not to buy an already set up one as i've been hearing that this pet rock watching can be fun ...and would love to experience that for myself .

I also remember from seffie & trod's thread someone mentioning a book regarded my some of you as "the bible" can anyone shed any light on this ?

Cheers
Kizz

 

[Kizz]

Sorry for double post but got my brain ticking over now with loads of thoughts , I'm wondering what will be cheaper to set up from scratch a smaller marine tank or just to convert my 112G over . So i'll just list the questions and hopefully someone will come along and answer

What turnover am i looking at for skimmers?
Would 4 powerheads be sufficient?(tank spec is in sig) Any Specific size/turnover rate these need to have ?
Live rock . Is there a set amount of time you can leave this in the tank ? IE could i leave it in tank for 3 or more months jsut itself?and do i have to add full amount at once ?
Do i need a filter?
Lighting ? What wattage am i looking at ? please remember tank is 30" deep (thought it was 36" but re-measured lol )
Is R/o sold by the Litre or the gallon ? if so roughly how much
Is it worth buying pre-mixed ? or buying salt and mixing myself

That's all questions for now Hopefully someone can answer then i will update with which is cheapest for me

Thanks Again
Kizz

 

[seffieuk]

to the salty side and thank you for taking the time to read troad and mines journel

If you decide to take on the bigger tank, you will not need to do weekly water changes

What turnover am i looking at for skimmers?

Take a look at the deltec 600, that would be perfect

Would 4 powerheads be sufficient?(tank spec is in sig) Any Specific size/turnover rate these need to have ?

Trod runs four Koralia 4s in hers, it all depends on what you are going to keep and of course how much money you can spend!

Live rock . Is there a set amount of time you can leave this in the tank ? IE could i leave it in tank for 3 or more months jsut itself?and do i have to add full amount at once ?

It is best to add it all at once if you are going to add live stock, as you may get several cycles!

Do i need a filter?

Well, depends, are you thinking of a sump? If not then maybe, you will want to run phosphate remover etc and need something to run it in, skimmer, filter, reactor etc

Lighting ? What wattage am i looking at ? please remember tank is 30" deep (thought it was 36" but re-measured lol )

It really depends on what you want to keep, coral wise?

Is R/o sold by the Litre or the gallon ?

You buy 25L at a time, it doesnt cost much, but for a big tank its best to buy an RO unit

Is it worth buying pre-mixed ? or buying salt and mixing myself

For a large tank it will be expensive to buy it in


Re: your smaller tank:

20 gallons is considered to be the smallest tank you should keep a pair of clowns in, but, your tank is 19 gallons, I would be tempted, if you are happy to keep up with water changes to say go ahead......... I say this as I think you will probably upgrade pretty soon after you start keeping a small tank, we all do

To keep softies in the tank, you require the minimum of t8 lights.

Going to throw a curve ball at you though, I suspect that by the time you have bought lights etc for the tank, got the rock and fish etc you are going to curse that you didnt look out for a larger tank of approx 125L or slightly larger. There are many great bargains around at the moment

Anyways, enough for now and cant remember if anyone told you what the bible is: http/www.amazon.co.uk/Aquarium-Corals-Selection-Husbandry-Natural/dp/1890087475/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298919313&sr=8-1

Seffie x

 

[Kizz]

Thanks for replies seffie And link to that book ! . Feels so strange coming over here 1 day looking into it and i'm already adamant i'm getting one .I also feel like a total noob ! Never even jumped in feet first and i'm already in past my neck! lol I think best and most easiest option for me is to convert the 112Gallon tank . With sale of all the fish that currently house in there wood etc i'd be looking at about £100 from that .

The sump i cannot do at all as tank is custom built as is the stand there's no room for external underneath never mind another tank .

Forgive me in asking so many what may seem silly question but the phosphate remover can that be attached and run from a skimmer/powerhead ?

I had a look over the threads in beginners section and the 3 I liked the most were Torch Coral ,Ornage Tube Coral & Hammer Coral. I would love something that creates a carpet effect i believe these are called zoa's?

Also with the skimmer are the all HOB's? as i have glass bracing all round the top of tank and unsure if the skimmers will fit past these into the water . Can you get internal types ? do these work just aswell?

Also is the calculator above correct that for 112G i will need 64Kg of LR? i was thinkin of adding it in batche's of 20KG would this cause mini cycles each 20kg would be added about 3 weeks apart give or take fund or if i can source anyone nearby breaking down a marine tank

The lighting will prob have to wait til i figure out what coral's i want ! could i just start off with one of each bulb and adjust as needed ? No problem in adding 2 T5's then adding another 2 if needed (which i presume it will be with depth of tank)

Again thanks again And sorry for asking questions on top of answers . The guides just seem like gobblydegook to me and don't seem relivant to a tank my size

Thanks
Kizz


PS . Would this RO unit be sufficient ? Here and where does it attach too ? I'm assuming it would be under my sink

 

[seffieuk]

lol I think best and most easiest option for me is to convert the 112Gallon tank .The sump i cannot do at all as tank is custom built as is the stand there's no room for external underneath never mind another tank .

Woo hoo.....

Forgive me in asking so many what may seem silly question but the phosphate remover can that be attached and run from a skimmer/powerhead ?

The only silly question is the one not asked If you buy the deltec 600 it has a media box, so yes, for your size tank, no to the powerhead bit

I had a look over the threads in beginners section and the 3 I liked the most were Torch Coral ,Ornage Tube Coral & Hammer Coral. I would love something that creates a carpet effect i believe these are called zoa's?

The first three are hard corals and will require t5 lighting, the zoas need less light - they are all good corals for a new salty once the tank is cycled and stable

Also with the skimmer are the all HOB's? as i have glass bracing all round the top of tank and unsure if the skimmers will fit past these into the water . Can you get internal types ? do these work just aswell?

No they are not all HOBs, Trod has a glass ledge all the way round and has a deltec 600

Also is the calculator above correct that for 112G i will need 64Kg of LR? i was thinkin of adding it in batche's of 20KG would this cause mini cycles each 20kg would be added about 3 weeks apart give or take fund or if i can source anyone nearby breaking down a marine tank

You will need approx 56 Kilos, many corals come on live rock, which is a bonus. So you could maybe get two batches of 25K and the rest will come with the later corals. However if you buy from a reefer breaking down a tank it will cost you approx £5 a kilo as opposed to £13 in a lfs - so well worth looking out for bargains, even if it means you have to store it in a large bin or container

The lighting will prob have to wait til i figure out what coral's i want ! could i just start off with one of each bulb and adjust as needed ? No problem in adding 2 T5's then adding another 2 if needed (which i presume it will be with depth of tank)

No problem at all, its what I did with my five footer

We enjoy helping and just love watching a new salty bring their tank to life

Seffie x

 

[Kizz]

Had a wee look at the deltec's (someone could have warned me of price!mini heart attack ongoing at present !) I'm assuming these are the SW equivalant to a external filter ?

I know deltec's are the best at what they do but does anyone know of any other's that would pass the glass bracing or internal's that are perhaps a tad cheaper lol , Watching one on ebay just now if it stays cheap enough i may jsut grab it that way i know i have it

Thanks
Kizz