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I would like to set up a SW tank and i have a few questions.

1st. is it easier with a bigger or smaller tank?
2nd. what type of filter is best for a SW tank?

i heard live rock does filter some of the water but for the rest of the water what filter should be used?

also how long does it take for a SW tank to cycle?

is there any amount of time b4 coral is introduced?

ok i lied i have a bunch of questions b.c i dont really read much on SW tanks due to all the time spent readin on FW. When you reply plz include what is needed to start a SW tank thanks soo much .

1.bigger is easier
2.and 3.
SUMP
which is basically a huge canister filter

Fuge
similar to a sump in design but you generally put in nitrate absorbing plants

protein skimmer
takes very very fine particles out of the water

4. from about 6 weeks to 20 weeks (depends on how many water changes you do in this time)

5 depends on the coral

i think thats right anyway, someone else will correct/add too my answer if im wrong or i didnt explain well

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

thanks for your info alex

also is a protine skimmer needed ?

its not needed but it is highly reccomended if you are planning on keeping corals.

Many pieces of Salt Water Equipment can be made your self (very cheaply) at the moment im looking at DIYing a

Skimmer
Calcium Reactor
and a Kalk Reactor

if your interested in DIYing a skimmer i would be more then happy to draw you up some diagrams

---

''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

''ok i lied i have a bunch of questions b.c i dont really read much on SW tanks due to all the time spent readin on FW. When you reply plz include what is needed to start a SW tank thanks soo much .''

What is needed


Test kits
PH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Magnessium
Calcium
Carbonate Hardness
General Hardness
Specific Gravity

Filtration
really this is up to what you want to keep.
SPS needs high flow and very good filtration GENERALLY
LPS varies on species
Flubber aka Soft Corals GENERALLY dont demand much at all

MANY CORALS WILL NEED A SKIMMER

Lighting
depends what you want to keep.
SPS needs high light GENERALLY
LPS varies alot
Flubber doesnt require much light GENERALLY



The order which i am planning my tank is (this may work for you too)
Read up on all the SW stuff you can find
Find out what corals you like
then look at the space you have
then design your filtration, lighting etc etc
then look at what fish you like
then start making descions

and remember in the dark side of the hobby
''only bad things happen quickly!!!''


Again someone please correct or add too any wrong/poorly explained information

EDIT: i really should center my sig lol

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

thanks for all your help ppl .
I would enjoy readin more on SW tanks but i cant seem to fit the time in between workin and school. if some ppl could add some links it would be awsome

A link to many very helpful links/online stores courtesy of Ferretfish

dont just go to the links

read the article, i found it to be one of the most helpful pieces on the net

clicky

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

Additionally, chase up the assorted works of Mike Paletta, one of the better known names in the world of marine keeping. His books are replete with sound advice. Thanks to him, I learned about the relatively recent migration away from undergravel filtration in marine aquaria, and the use of live rock instead.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002