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I have a 55 gallon tank. I have it as a fresh water tank right now. I am planning to make it a salt water tank, but i need help. I dont know what to do to start. I have already read the forum for beginners, but I still need help. What do I need to start out? Like a filter, heater, lighting. Which kind is the best for me? I want to get quality stuff only. I have a light, but do I need a differnt one or do i just need to buy a new light bulb? Please help me out.

To start with you need to decide what type of tank you want.
fish only (FO)
fish only w/ live rock (FOWLR)
or corals

I would recommend FOWLR as the LR will act as a natural biological filter, plus it looks nice. Right now (in San Antonio) uncured LR is 3.99/lb. expect prices between 3.99-6.99/lb. Sometimes you can find really good deals online, but you have to buy in bulk and don't get to select you pieces.

You will need a substrate. Either crushed coral or sand ( I used playground sand that I washed) I would go at least 3 inches deep or more (feel free to mix substrates)

You will need two powerheads for the 55. SW fish like more current than FW. Most people aim them so they form an X with the current.

You won't need a protein skimmer to start with. They can help, but for FOWLR they aren't required (skimmers remove proteins from the water which can be toxic, however regular water changes will keep the fish happy)

You'll need better lighting. There are several brands that imitate the tropical sun, just look around on here or ask around at your LFS. Something in the 10K range or 50/50 actinic. Stick with flour. lights. The metal halides are for coral and expensive.

I use a filter on my SW tank to remove particles and provide more flow.

Most people recommend 1.5-2 lbs of live rock per gallon, but you don't have to start with that much. Just be sure to cure it first and if you add more later cure it before dumping it in.

as for the little stuff- hydrometer (determines salinity) trace minerals (important for coralline and inverts) basic test kits compatible with SW (NH3/4, NO2, NO3).

IMO SW is actually easier than FW. Plus the tanks can look really cool.

Good luck! and be sure to read up on all the SW forums on here.

Last edited by webbstock at 07-Dec-2004 15:07

Thx for the info..

I recently bought a glass hydrometer with a thermometer. Will this read in fresh water? I can't seem to read the hydrometer. I dont see any line or anything that will indicate the reading. Anyone know anything about that.

Could you maybe specify the brand and type (is it a refractometer?)

pure water should read 1.0 specific gravity.

FW will read slightly higher depending on what's dissolved in it.

Here is the website of what i got...
http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=4258373292&dept_id=%2D2


Im not sure what u mean, but check out the website.