New to saltwater and corals.

[Bigsi12]

Hi All,
New to this forum so firstly, Hi :wave:
Now, Ive currently got a tropical set up and everyones happy in there so now i feel the times right to make the jump to saltwater side.
I dont want to make the mistake of starting too big for me to handle, so i figured the best option would be to start with a small tank my idea being:
Start with a small tank, add some nice pieces of live rock, Sand etc. Then adding 1 clown fish, and get practice keeping corals ( want to get practice first keeping corals before investing in a larger tank so i know what to expect; behaviour, requirements etc.
So i was wondering what would i need? Im looking at a tank between 40 and 60 litres, so whats the best way forward, Lighting, Filtration

Thanks

Sorry this post is also in the Nano Reef Section

 

[pandora32]

Well first off, welcome to the forums! Your going to enjoy it here. As for tank size you have, i havent had enough coffee for math yet, but the smaller the tank, the more diligently you have to maintain it. Water evaporation as well as uptake of calcium alk mag and other trace elemnt happens faster with smaller tanks, as well as stuff happening negatively. Im not trying to scare you out of it, just warning you so your not suprised. I personally havent had any luck what so ever with anything smaller than a 55g, but others have great success. Rothany, where you at man? Hes done a gorgeous cube build and is currently building up an even smaller tank. You should check his threads. Lots of info as well in the nano section. Have fun!

 

[TJL]

Hey! a BIG :welcome: to Reef Frontiers from accross the pond. I'm sure you will enjoy the Salty side of the hobby even more. If you can/have room for a 150L+- (40 gal) you will find it more forgiving and allow many more options of Livestock choices. That being said besides the tank itself you will want to aquire quality lighting, pumps/powerheads for circulation and test kits to get you started. A quality skimmer can be added down the road but make plans/room for one early on, either a hang-on style or in-sump model depending on your system setup. Continue to read/educate yourself on the many types of Marine Aquaria with equally many successful ways of running them then pick one you are most interested in before embarking. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have here, many many very helpfull people here to keep you on track. Looking forward to seeing your creation proceed. You will have full access to site after 30 days/50 posts and be able to post pics soon.

Cheers, Todd

 

[Bigsi12]

Thanks,
Im doing alot of my research now, so then i can be as clued up as possible. I dont like going into things blind and like to be prepared as best i can.
I do have another question though which is something ive been wondering, searching around the internet so i thought id ask the experts
Water changes. Obviously its not as simple as when i change the water in my tropical tank. So can it be made up in advanced? I was thinking if i can find the right place to set this up and if it is indeed possible and worth while. What would be needed for this? Water Containers, Heaters?
Im not thinking as much for the smaller tank, but the future larger tank. Which given the planning i would like, as you say it can more forgiving.
And if doing only a 10% - 20% water change do i only make up the salt needed for that amount of water?

Thanks Again

 

[james734]

Welcome to RF. as for the water changes. If you have the space I would recommend a storage container for ore made salt water. I use a 44gal Rubbermaid Brut trash can with the roller wheels on the bottom. I always have about 40 gallons of heated ready to go SW. Just put a power head in to mix and keep the water moving (oxygenated). It's great for water changes and/or any time you might need some emergency water. I actually have 2 trash cans, one SW the other RO/DI water side by side.

 

[user 26995]

I'm guessing you do not have an all in one (AIO) tank. Do you want to use hang on back (HOB) filter and skimmer, or are you going to use an overflow box with sump? As far as lighting, do you know what type of coral you want to keep?

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Peppie]

Water changes on a small tank are a MUST! IMO
You will want to buy a RO/DI water filter. This is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the reefing hobby, IMO
I think it is best to change 10-20 percent weekly.
I keep 40% of my total water volume on hand at all times ( fresh saltwater )
I mix it in a 55 gal. barrel. in the barrel is a small pump, to circulate the water. and a heater to keep it up to temp. You should mix the salt with the RO/DI water 24 hrs before you do the water change.
Make sure you match the salinity and temp of your display with the fresh saltwater in your mixing container.
I have kept fresh salt water in the barrel for well over 30 days before I have done a water change with it. So you can mix up more that what you need, and it will keep, as long as you keep the circulation on.