Starting a SW tank?

[ThatsJustNice]

Hi I'm new to this forums and i wanted to join this forum because i saw there was people willing to help beginners. I'm also new to salt water hobby and i want to get started on my own tank so...

just a few questions. =]
1) is it possible to get "man-made" rocks to become live rocks with live sand from Petco? The sand is called Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Substrate and supposedly it has bacteria and things
2) Is lighting important for a fish only with live rock set up? No corals yet but maybe in the future when i have a little more experience.
3) Where can i get those caroline algae plate that suppose to increase the algae in the tank?

I have already got my powerhead (aquaclear 30), heater, filter (5-15g aquatech or aqeon 20), 10gallon tank, a fluorescent light, salt mixture (petco brand) and hydrometer. Now all i need is live sand, live rocks and test kits? (correct me if i'm wrong).

 

[aznt1217]

Okay I am just going to address the questions due to time constraints. See responses in bold.

1) is it possible to get "man-made" rocks to become live rocks with live sand from Petco? The sand is called Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Substrate and supposedly it has bacteria and things
Yes, the substrate can but I still highly advice getting at least a little bit of live rock to seed the rock faster.

2) Is lighting important for a fish only with live rock set up? No corals yet but maybe in the future when i have a little more experience.
Nope, lighting is not important in a FOWLR.

3) Where can i get those caroline algae plate that suppose to increase the algae in the tank?
I think you mean Coralline Algae. I honestly wouldn't use these additives, it just takes time. Not sure what this plate is, but many people have used Purple Up in the past. I say just let the tank take its route.

You have the basic equipment but I do not know the tank specs. I highly advise getting a protein skimmer (not sure what you mean by filter).

 

[reefs4life]

Yeah you might want to give a few more specs on what you currently have. Like tank size, is it reef ready, do you have a sump, the specifics on "powerhead" and "filter" just so it's easier for us to help you out.

 

[House of Laughter]

you should also consider heating the tank - don't see that on your list

House

 

[James]

+1 :tongue1:

you should also consider heating the tank - don't see that on your list

House

 

[ThatsJustNice]

Oh yeah i do have a heater sorry forgot to add that but no protein skimmer. My tank is approximately 10 gallons, i know it's not advised for beginners but my 55G is full of other fishes which i would like to keep.
I really like the colors of the coralline algae but would i be able to get that in the tank if i don't have the booster plate? how does coralline algae come to be?
And are HOB filters recommended because i read somewhere that it may crash my tank and i would have to start cycle all over? o.0

Thanks for the responses. =]

 

[ThatsJustNice]

Thanks, I also have a question about substrate.
I read some places that says deep sand bed is required but there are other places i read saying i only need half inch of sand?

 

[isgon26]

You should consider a larger tank. There is very limited fish that you can put in a 10 gallon + it will be harder to keep the smaller tank stable. I would suggest you wait until you get a larger tank. They sell them here used on the for sale thread firly cheap.

 

[ThatsJustNice]

I understand that there will be some difficulties for a 10 gallon salt water tank but it's just a little project I like to start small first before investing more money into bigger saltwater tank, just a little test to see if i can even handle saltwater tank. I have a freshwater tank 90g with a silver arowana, 2 oscars, 1 flowerhorn, 3 convicts, 1 pleco and 3 parrots.
I think with enough research and information from others experience in this forum may help me accomplish my first SW tank. =]

 

[James]

I started almost 10 years ago with a 10 gallon and it went fine. Problem is that you are trying to save money. Smaller tanks end up being almost as expensive as bigger ones and they are harder so far as maintaining a good balance but they are not impossible by any means. Read a lot and actually listen to advice from people who know what they are talking about (not the lfs, many people on this and other reef sites) and you should do fine. Good luck and say goodbye to the contents of your wallet. I give you >2 years before that big freshwater is SW.

James

 

[ThatsJustNice]

haha... yeah when i started fresh water my first year i spent over $600 and over the years i had lost count.
I decided im just going to stick with 10 gallon first. Just wont be able to stand losing my money spent on a bigger saltwater tank if i fail my first time.
I appreciate all your help, Thanks.

 

[triggerhappy]

Failure is sometimes inevitable especially if you skimp out on the money spent first setting up your tank any size tank you will realize once you get more into it that it takes better equipment to take good care of your little ones. im not saying that it can't be done but I have never been that lucky anyway. Believe me you will catch the bug and want a bigger tank save your money and go big from the start. im currently working on putting together a 90 gallon and have been at it for more than six months. i am upgrading from my 46 gallon bow.

 

[ThatsJustNice]

Hmm... people say it can be done and some says it cant. I watched youtube videos where people started saltwater in a 10g has been successful and read forums where beginners also started with a 10g.
ill keep your advice in mind still thinking. Thanks.

 

[18oreefer]

IMO bigger is better. If you like your fresh tank then you will LOVE your salt tank. Im not saying you cant do a 10 gal but you will have an easier go of it if you go bigger. Plus if you spend a bit more money on something bigger to begin with you would not have put out of pocket for a small tank, so in the long run it will cost you less. Im only speaking from my own experience. I started with a 40 fowlr to a 180 mixed reef, and now im in a 300 mixed reef. I would have saved tons if i had just started with the 300. I know it was mentioned earlier but look on here in market place, or search out fish tanks, aquariums, and reef on craigslist. If you look long enough you will find a smokin deal. good luck with what ever you decide

 

[tonep]

Start with a hearty and cheep fish list damsels

 

[SWITCH420]

just do a lot of research first. read a lot on nano take sites and i agree. u will want a big tank shortly after ur 10 gal gets going. yea after the cycling try a damsel they are super tuff.stay away from black and white dams.they get very mean over other ones blue, yellow tail ect

 

[ThatsJustNice]

Would 3 striped damsels black and white get along with false clown fish?