Tropical To Salty

[juggernuts]

Well well well guys, Ive been thinking lately, I wouldnt mind possibly changing my 4ft Bowfront tank from tropical to marine ( as you could have guessed from my title)

I currently have 10 wild cardinal tetras, 3 zebra loach, 3 cory cats, 9 l134 plec's, 2 denisoni barbs and 4 colombian tetras.

Ive had all of these for a fair few years now, but would love to change over for a new challenge.

I have about 5 anubias nana, lots of java fern and some java moss, two very large twisty root bogwood.

Just curios if people could give me an idea of how much the equipment I need may cost. along with what actual equipment i need.

Thanks people

 

[LoachLover]

Are you're considering reef, or just saltwater fish?

 

[basboi85]

I've read that it can be quite expensive running a marine tank and very time consuming aswell as hard but that's all in the change of marine tank keeping I guess.
My cousin's partner has a marine tank ( had it about 4-5 months I think ) and they've only just started putting fish in it

But good luck if you change over

 

[ZoddyZod]

I'll move this to the Salt section - they are better placed to help you out.

 

[ainsy]

A good place to start is by reading the 2 links in my sig - there is loads of good info there.

The how much does it cost question is a bit like how long is a piece of string. It can be costly with brand new equipment & live rock but it can also be done reasonably by looking for people closing down tanks & on auction site.

 

[Xraymark]

Yeah read ainsy's links for equipment.

Decide what setup you want, fish only, FO with live rock or reef which includes corals. That can effect cost.

It does cost more than a freshwater setup , Initially and maintanance wise. LOL. Stocking the tank as well can add up but best to take your time there anyway. Everything does not need bought at once which can spread the cost and bargans can be found. But then you get hooked and like any hobby you can push your credit card.

If your looking for a rewarding challange then............Maybe don't inform the other half of all the bills.

 

[juggernuts]

Haha thanks guys. On the mobile atm so can't read links but I kinda guessed its dependent on what route I go down. Ideally I would like some live rock and coral along with some fish. My favourite would be to get a Picasso trigger and lionfish and lipstick tangs. What would I need to consider with these fish? Which are predator fish yetc. I'll be reading profiles on them later tonight. And also all the fish above will be up for sale in the foreseeable future

 

[crazyforcordoras]

My 10 gallon nano reef costed 300$ to set up. Not including tank or filter.

 

[juggernuts]

Haha must be expensive your way I know ill b able to set mine up for not a load more

 

[BigbruiserAl]

my tropical 350L tropical -> marine set up cost

25kg coral sand £20
Mce 600 skimmer £250
50kg live rock £220
4 x 54wT5 marine bulbs £40
2 5200LPH power heads £100
27kg salt £50
Marine test kit's £40
100GPD RO unit £100
live stock & corals = extra

 

[ainsy]

For those fish you are going to need a considerably bigger tank before anything else!

Tangs esp. need a load of swimming space & shouldn't be kept in anything less than 6ft

 

[juggernuts]

For those fish you are going to need a considerably bigger tank before anything else!

Tangs esp. need a load of swimming space & shouldn't be kept in anything less than 6ft

And for this reason I enquire well Ill cross them guys of my list. Im going to my local specialist marine store tommorow to get a better idea of stock etc.

I Planned to try and get a fair bit of the equipment etc second hand, I know this can be iffy but Ive done this for a long time with my tropical and the money you save is just silly.

Thanks for the constant advice guys Ill keep you posted.
First its to sell all my stock!!

 

[crazyforcordoras]

Create a journal when its ready!