saltwater tank?
Q. hey guys just have a question about what more can i do for my saltwater tank as far as filtration goes. i have a 55ga. tank with a 60ga. filter, 40ga filter, and a 20ga filter, also a 60 ga. protein skimmer. Is there any thing else that maybe i can add that might be helpful? All my levels in the tank are great i'm not having trouble or anything i'm just wondering if there might be somthing else that might help i'm thinking about getting a powerhead but i'm not sure what kind to get?
Asked by orestes19832003 - Mon Dec 18 13:24:55 2006 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Is there a reason that you have 3 filters on the tank? It's fine I'm just wondering :) Anyway, do you have live rock? Live should provide 90% of your biological filtration. Definitely get some powerheads. Brand doesn't matter but like everything, you get what you pay for. Water current in a saltwater tank is very important. You should have 3-4 powerheads going in different direction, set on timers, to simulate ocean currents.
Answered by Zoe - Mon Dec 18 13:27:52 2006

How do you move a saltwater tank when moving to a new house?
Q. I have a 125 gallon saltwater fish tank with 10 fish. I'm hopefully moving to a new house sometime this year but have no idea how to move my tank along with my fish? I invested a lot of money in this new hobby of mine and cannot afford to lose any fish or have anything happen to the tank! HELP!!! This would be a local move.
Asked by Coconut - Sun Sep 7 00:24:22 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. A local move is a breeze however there are a few things to take in account. The key here is to stress the fish out as little as possible and also try to keep 75% of the tank water to avoid having to cycle or any nitrate spikes that could potentially kill your fish. What you can do is (boy a 120 gallon is bigger than a 75 so this might be tough) go to your LFS (local fish store) and ask them if they have any containers that you could use to transport the water in. Most likely they'll have a drum that you could borrow or purchase. You could try your luck and buy some large containers from Home Depot however I am always concerned with chemicals in those things. Your fish on the other hand could live in a container on a temporary basis (v [cont.]
Answered by Derrek M - Wed Sep 10 23:47:11 2008

Is a saltwater tank too advanced for a beginner?
Q. I am looking for a saltwater tank in the 65-90 gallon range. I've had small aquariums years ago. Is a saltwater tank much harder to maintain than a freshwater tank?
Asked by Brian R - Wed Mar 12 11:27:27 2008 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Saltwater tanks are more challenging, but if you do your homework first, even a beginner can maintain a healthy and successful one. Check out a good book or two (I like The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner), and search the web for more information (www.wetwebmedia.com is a good place to start) to see if you want to pursue a marine aquarium.
Answered by Mars Hill - Wed Mar 12 11:41:12 2008

what supplies do i need to start a saltwater fish tank?
Q. I have a fresh water tank but know i want a saltwater tank i cleaned out the tank and scrubbed it but what supplies do i need now so that i can make it a salt water tank. In the tank i want corals and fish.
Asked by Andrew S - Mon Apr 28 21:24:06 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You will need Aquarium substrate such as live sand or crushed coral Live Rock -2 pounds or more per gallon for reef tank setup Saltwater Mix Saltwater Hydrometer or even better a refractometer Aquarium filter (not absolutely necessary if running with adequate amounts of live rock, but nice to have if you need to use a mechanical filter or activated carbon, etc.) Replacement filter media like filter floss and activated carbon (if you get a filter) Multiple Powerheads (2 or 3) Heater - Protein Skimmer Saltwater test kit(s) to test water parameters and monitor the infamous aquarium nitrogen cycle Aquarium vacuum Aquarium Glass Scrubber or make your own DIY Algae Scraper Two, clean, never used before, 5-gallon buckets Aquarium… [cont.]
Answered by Lady_Pearl - Mon Apr 28 21:34:29 2008

What are some good saltwater beginner fish and a good tank size?
Q. I already own a 20 gallon freshwater tank and that is doing well but i have decided to put up a saltwater tank.
Asked by Ryan - Mon Feb 23 22:00:07 2009 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I suggest getting the largest tank you can afford. A larger tank leaves more room for error and will be easier to maintain. You won't have to be as on top of water changes as you would with a smaller tank. However, large tanks are rather pricey, so I could definitely see you starting with something around the 30 - 55 gallon range. Don't worry about saltwater tanks being a ton of work. They're really not. Sure, they require upkeep to look nice, but you certainly won't be spending all of your free time doing water tests, etc. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your fish. : ) Some pretty good beginner fish have already been mentioned. I would be a bit wary of the Damsels, though. They ARE good for beginners because they're hardy little… [cont.]
Answered by vibratingsheeps - Tue Feb 24 00:55:34 2009

What is the difference with a freshwater tank and a saltwater tank?
Q. I just bought a 55 gallon tank and assembled the whold thing and then realized ithe instruction said for freshwater use only. I am interested in a saltwater aquarium. Is there any way I can still use this tank??
Asked by Humn? - Tue Aug 1 20:48:35 2006 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. For a salt water fish only tank you will need florescent lights (replace bulbs every six months), heater, filter (combo of mechanical-some kind of sponge, biological-bio wheel and chemical-charcoal) that moves at least 500 gallons of water per hour, hydrometer and a heater. You will need to put in two to three inches of crushed aragonite, or live sand as a substrate, and at least 20 pounds of live rock. The salt will have to be mixed with reverse osmosis cleaned or distilled water to a specific gravity of around 1.022 (you can mix it in the tank for the first time, but before you put in any live sand or rock. By a test kit for marine tanks and test the water regularly. If your tank can go two weeks without an ammonia, nitrite or… [cont.]
Answered by iceni - Tue Aug 1 22:05:27 2006

What is the best way to transport a saltwater tank without having to redo the water?
Q. i am buying a new 55 gallon saltwater tank, and it is already established with two clown fish. i am a beginner and will be setting up the tank myself. the tank will be on the road for about an hour and a half.
Asked by jonsampirisi - Wed Aug 8 00:20:52 2007 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Get yourself some of those rubbermaid bins from the store. Moved several times(fresh water tanks) in those, longest was just over 12 hours. A battery operated air pump would probably be a good investment as well(good to have for power outages also), you can get those cheap at this place: I don't know if you'll be able to transport all of the water, suppose you could by buying a few bins, but I'd have some salt water mixed up at home waiting. Be sure to keep any filter media, or live sand, live rock wet in a separate bin as well. Keep the fish in a separate bin with no decorations so they don't roll on the fish and squish them. Good luck!
Answered by tikitiki - Wed Aug 8 00:51:26 2007

Any opinions on artificial coral decorations for saltwater tank?
Q. How do you feel about the replica coral decorations being sold for use in saltwater tanks? I am setting up a new 29 gallon FOWLR tank and have thought about adding a few pieces of the 'fake' coral. Not the neon colored ones, but some that look relatively accurate to the real thing. Has anyone else placed these in their tanks, and how did you feel about how the tank ended up looking?Thanks.
Asked by kim t - Tue Apr 15 03:29:39 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I'll admit to using them in my quarantine tanks. Some of them look pretty realistic nowadays. They have the advantage of not needing a lot of light or perfect water quality, but still give the tank a natural look. If you use any live rock in the tank at all, be prepared for your fakes to get covered by coralline algae (the pink, purple, red, and light green crusty sort of algae that grows on the rock and glass of marine tanks). About the only real disadvantage to them is I've seen some of the better looking fakes that cost more than some live corals. The fish don't seem to mind that they aren't real. I even had a pair of clowns that "adopted" a fake anemone while they were in the quarantine tank - I moved it to their regular tank… [cont.]
Answered by copperhead - Tue Apr 15 03:47:09 2008

What's involved in starting a saltwater tank?
Q. I have two 10 gal tanks in my kids rooms and they have been doing very well for a year now. The tanks are always clean and we've only had 1 ick outbreak and 2 floaters so far so I think I have the hang of freshwater tanks. Of course now my younger son wants "Nemo" and "Dory". What am looking at as far as converting one of the tanks to saltwater, other than the obvious salt? Can you do a 10 gal saltwater tank?
Asked by Mike - Mon Oct 9 22:06:08 2006 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. 10 gals is pretty small for a salt water system. The most important part is the bacteria bed you build in the gravel or in the filter, depending on which you use, but 10 gals doesn't give you much of a buffer if it gets close to crashing. Most of the people I know with the wet/dry filters use a 10 gal tank just for the filtration system, to cleanse the water in the main tank. Use Fritzyme to get the bacteria going, and add the food for the bacteria for several weeks, then test for chemical balance before adding fish. Make friends with the people at the pet store; you'll be seeing them a lot at first. If you go with 10 gals, be ready to change the water frequently. And don't use tap water to mix with salt, of course, unless you… [cont.]
Answered by bradbdivin - Mon Oct 9 22:15:23 2006

How to clean a saltwater tank to make it a freshwater..?
Q. Okay i have a 30 gallon saltwater tank and i want to convert it to a freshwater tank. I need to know the proper way to clean the tank so i can make it freshwater. Also, i have sand as the gravel right now, is there anyway i can clean that to use it again? Thank you for all the help. I'll be glad to help with your questions Just ask!! :)
Asked by Courtney W - Sat Jan 31 08:57:42 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Just clean it with a sponge/cloth or something with water. There are no specific ways to convert a saltwater tank into a freshwater one. But having small traces of salt in it won't be bad for your freshwaters. As for the sand, put them in a bucket and let them rest in boiling water for a while so the salts will dissolve into liquid. Then just rinse out the sand at least twice with normal water.
Answered by Sonja Le - Sat Jan 31 09:17:12 2009

What can i use to remove algae from saltwater tank stuff?
Q. I have a Colosseum "toy for fish" that was in my saltwater tank and it got full of green algae. i removed it and got rid of my saltwater tank for other reasons. i let the algae dry up on the Colosseum and I'm trying to wash it with really hot water and its not coming off that good. what can i use to clean it? what kind of bleach?
Asked by deathmetalnate - Wed Sep 30 02:46:39 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Any household bleach will work. Be very careful when using bleach on any aquarium decor. I use a weaker solution.. about 5%. After you're done soaking, rinse it very well, let it air dry, and rinse it again, letting it air dry once more. After that, smell it. If you still smell any bleach on the item, rinse and let air dry again. If you're worried about the bleach, you could try soaking it in vinegar. It's acidity may help break up the stuck on algae allowing you to wipe it off. It's also much safer. However, I can't guarantee that it will work.
Answered by Jason P - Wed Sep 30 04:13:35 2009

What is the smallest saltwater tank that i can have???
Q. I am looking to have a small saltwater tank. I dont plan on getting any fish just some live rocks, shrimps, and MAYBE (if there is enough room) snails. So what is the smallest tank i can have?
Asked by here_4_1_day - Mon Nov 12 19:29:18 2007 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. 20 gallons would be a start, but you can't keep many fish. The problem with small tanks is that their chemistry fluctuates too quickly when the fish poop. The larger your tank, the more water you have to dilute any negative effects from the fish. Try to get a 60 gallon tank if you can afford it. I used to have a 100 gallon tank with a Fluval (spelling?) filter, and a UV sterilizer. Was lots of fun and fairly easy to maintain. Enjoy! EDIT: The general rule is that you can have 1 medium to large fish (five-inch) per 10 gallons of water. So with a 60 gallon tank, you can have no more the 6 medium-large fish.
Answered by AM-NM centaur - Mon Nov 12 19:34:36 2007

How big does a saltwater tank have to be?
Q. I want to have a saltwater tank... But, all I have is a little tank..(It's pretty small) Could I put shrimp or some little fish in there?
Asked by Yakegirl - Fri Mar 19 18:06:58 2010 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

What is the best filter/skimmer combo for a saltwater tank?
Q. We are starting our first (55 gal) saltwater tank after many years of having freshwater fish. Which combinations of filters and skimmers have you found to be the best? The filters we have should really be replaced. Thanks! I guess I wasn't clear - I just meant which filter and which skimmer would you use at the same time. (separate units) Thanks for your answer!
Asked by some lady - Mon Mar 2 17:10:22 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. it is best to get seperate as combo protein skimmers tend not to do well, But from americanaquariumproducts, this product does well. Just say BcAquatics sent ya, AAP is a friend of mines.
Answered by Chris4Reef - Mon Mar 2 20:35:41 2009

Specific question regarding starting a saltwater fish tank?
Q. I currently have two 30 gallon freshwater tanks and am kicking the idea around of turning one of them into a saltwater tank. My question is, what kind of fish do you cycle a saltwater tank with and approximately how many would I need for a 30 gallon tank? I've asked a few people and they told me damsel fish is the way to go. Any input would be most appreciated. Thank you!
Asked by Little Wing - Mon Aug 13 20:50:06 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Do yourself a favor and stay away from damsels. they are territorial and very agressive. They are known to attack fish many times there size. If you have the live rock in then it will be very hard to catch them later on to get them out of your tank. If you choose to use fish to cycle the tank dont go with damsels. I personally like using green chromis they are still damsels but are not agressive at all. By my own observation they seem to make "shy" fish come out and explore the tank more. So to get damsels is a bad idea cause it will just cause problems later on when you want to add other species such as clowfish or angels or whatever you choose because the damsels will attack them. Green chromis arte the way to go they will not give you… [cont.]
Answered by craig - Mon Aug 13 21:06:49 2007

What protein skimmer should I use for my 90 gallon saltwater tank?
Q. I have a 90 gallon saltwater tank. I want a really good protein skimmer it needs to be hang on back and simple to use. What would you recommend?
Asked by justme - Thu Nov 27 18:40:35 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Look into the octopus line if you want a good skimmer. They have hob that are great. If you decide on Octo, get the biggest one in that line. Good luck.
Answered by conebone69 - Thu Nov 27 22:08:11 2008

What all do i need for a 55 gallon saltwater tank?
Q. I just got a 55 gallon tank. I am making it a saltwater tank. I know some of the things i will need but Im not sure what all I need.
Asked by bigpatterson5 - Sun Dec 28 13:33:06 2008 - - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. you need the same stuff for a freshwater set up (tank, stand, filter, heater, misc. stuff (siphon, nets, food, etc)) but you'll also need a hydrometer or refractometer live rock and a good protein skimmer would make your job alot eaier in the long run if you wanted corals you'll need better lighting than standard aquarium strip lights, a T5 light would be ideal. but you wont need one for a while as you really shouldn't add corals to the tank for the first 6 months to a year anyway.. allowing the tank to establish an undergravel filter is NOT required, and generally not advised. they quickly dirty and become nitrate factories, killing fish and coral
Answered by BIGgourami - Sun Dec 28 13:58:04 2008

How strong should the filter be on a 10 gallon saltwater tank?
Q. I heard saltwater needed a more powerful filter than freshwater so i was wondering how strong should the filter be on a 10 gallon saltwater tank Also last time i asked a question people didnt really answer it they just kept saying my tank was too small so just to make sure nobody does that again im getting pygmy seahorses for the tank and they need a tank 5 to 10 gallons.
Asked by cvs - Sun Aug 17 14:57:00 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. omG! I have always wanted dwarf seahorses! Just a tip, they will only eat live baby brine shrimp, I actually think the tank is to large, cuz the seahorses cost quite a bit. Dwarf seahorses need a not so power full filter, a sponge filter will due, or a 10 gallon sized filter, you don't need to oversize filters for seahorses, they like very little current and lots of plants to hold on to. And DO NOT put live rock in with the seahorses! They come with shrimp and other creepy crawlies that are large enough to catch and eat your seahorses! And just letting you know they breed faster than guppies!lol! The gestation period from when the female deposits the eggs in the male to when the male gives birth is 10 days! Good luck, and I know a lot… [cont.]
Answered by Some1 who loves BETTAS!! - Sun Aug 17 15:12:38 2008

When you cure live rock in fresh water, for a saltwater tank, how do you keep algae from growing on it?
Q. I want to make live rock from concretefor my saltwater tank. People say to put it in freshwater about six weeks, then in saltwater about 2, to cure it. How do you keep the algae from growing on it while it is curing? I can't have fish, because the ph from the concrete rock will kill it.
Asked by beta_153 - Wed Mar 5 11:05:07 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You shouldn't have any problem with algae growing on it ,, algae needs light to grow and you should have a powerhead or something to create allot of flow while its curing not to mention all the chemicals that are leaching out probably won't allow anything to grow on it.
Answered by psyco_chic75 - Wed Mar 5 12:46:07 2008

What type of fish should I get for a 55 gallon saltwater tank?
Q. I just got a saltwater tank as a gift but I know nothing about keeping fish. The aquarium came with very beautiful corals which I want to concentrate more on but I would like to have fish too.
Asked by ABC. . . . - Sun May 20 13:19:52 2007 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Are you a beginner? If you are, then clownfish would be the best fish for you. If you want to get them an anenome to hide in, then that's ok. If you don't want to get an anenome, then make sure to include lots of hiding places. Make sure you have the right Specific Gravity (salinity level). For more info on setting up a saltwater tank, visit these websites: ~ZTM
Answered by ZooTycoonMaster - Sun May 20 13:29:41 2007