[MCF]

I am new to the site so thanks in advance for welcoming me!! I have also read the beginners guide. Up to about a year ago I had a successful MBUNA freshwater tank and am considering my first saltwater tank. I had to decommission my tank due to travels. I have a glass 55 gallon long tank (48" long), a eheim Pro II 2126 canister thermofilter, an under sand jet system (water pump with PVC tubing) and sand substrate (was living to keep PH balanced - it is white and black sand) - about 2" deep. I also have two 48" lights in a light fixture and finally a black background on the glass tank. I also have an air pump with a couple bubble stones (one about 2" long and one about 1" long).

1. Am I even close to having what I need for a saltwater fish only tank? Do I need extra equipment and/or is my current equipment not compatible with saltwater (the Ehiem primarily).
2. Is 55 gallon big enough for a FO saltwater tank?
3. I also have a test kit that measure NH3, Nitrates and Nitrites and I believe Ph as well.

Yesterday I cleaned everything up and currently have water circulating through the tank using the Eheim filter. The air pump and water pump are also moving the water around.

Any thoughts, suggestions? I also have plenty of plastic plants and rocks (Texas Holey Rock, landscaping rocks) for decorating. Attempting to keep additional equipments costs down so if I need significantly more equipment, I may stick with a freshwater tank, but we just live the vibrant colors of the saltwater species.

Thanks for any advice/recommendations!!

[AMS]

if you have $$$, you have what it takes

[MCF]

Originally Posted by AMS

if you have $$$, you have what it takes

Sure...plenty for buying fish...just would prefer to buy once instead of over and over again after they die....

[AMS]

Originally Posted by MCF

Sure...plenty for buying fish...just would prefer to buy once instead of over and over again after they die....

then take my advice and dump that cash into your filtration, particularly your protein skimmer.

[SweeTang22]

i think you have what it takes. you should get a protein skimmer and you'll be fine. i would also consider getting a good salt mix and use that with RO water. it will help prevent alot of algae buildup. in a fish only tank it doesnt matter though. also get some LR after the water is mixed for a few days. by pre cured if you can and let it sit in the tank for a week or 2 and check all your water parameters. as long as everything stays fine i would say you could add a couple of fish. i would do damsels because there hardy and will help cycle the tank! if you dont want to do damsels then i would research the type of fish you intend on keeping and make sure everything is compatable with eachother. have fun, and welcome to RB

[MCF]

Originally Posted by SweeTang22

i think you have what it takes. you should get a protein skimmer and you'll be fine. i would also consider getting a good salt mix and use that with RO water. it will help prevent alot of algae buildup. in a fish only tank it doesnt matter though. also get some LR after the water is mixed for a few days. by pre cured if you can and let it sit in the tank for a week or 2 and check all your water parameters. as long as everything stays fine i would say you could add a couple of fish. i would do damsels because there hardy and will help cycle the tank! if you dont want to do damsels then i would research the type of fish you intend on keeping and make sure everything is compatable with eachother. have fun, and welcome to RB

Thanks...where can you get RO (reverse osmosis water)? Can you get pre cured live rock at any good pet/fish store?

With my setup as it is, what would you limit your fish count to? Maybe less then 10 total? If I can get a nice mix of marine fish and get another Eheim canister filter, I can, but trying to keep from buying another $200 canister filter if not necessary.

[MCF]

Actaully, I am not against getting a skimmer in addition to my existing eheim. Any recommendations for a 55gallon tank with an existing Eheim 2126 canister? Would like to keep cost to less than $200 and would like the easiest to maintain (I assume this would be stand alone and then hang on tank??)?? Thanks!

[reefdaddy725]

You could get a Skilter filter to hang on the back of your tank and you wouldn't even need the air pump and stones. You can find them on e bay reasonable like 50 bucks. Easy to maintain and adjust. The skilter along with the canister your all set.

[MCF]

Thanks..I will look into it...now I have a python for cleaning. I assume that cleaning a marine FO (or FOWLR) tank is cleaned in same manner as freshwater - once a week do a ~15% water change and syphon the sand substrate as necessary, clean the filters as necessary using dechlorinated water and re-fill tank with water (do you add marine salt to tank after dechlorinator and water??? I want to make sure I have the basics before getting too deep and asking more technical type questions..thanks!

[MCF]

Yep...Skilter Filter 250 looks good. So with the Skilter Filter 250 and the Ehiem 2126, I believe filtration and protein skimmer is covered, correct?

In addition to the 2" of substrate (white and black sand that was 'alive') I guess I need some cured live rock. Is 50 lbs enough for the 55 gallon tank? What about Texas Holey Rock in a marine tank..ok or a no no?

Regarding water, is it ok to use normal tap water that has been dechlorinated prior to putting into tank? Normally I dechlorinate about 5 gallons and put it in the tank..then add enough dechlorinator to make sure the remaining water that is added is dechlorinated (I usually put more than enough dechlorinator). And lastly, is it ok to add the marine salt to the freshwater after it has been added to the tank..I am mainly referring to when I do the 10-15% water changes using the python...thanks!!

[reefdaddy725]

Most will tell you tap water is a no no due to all of the impurities in it, You can use filtered dechlorinated water but phosphates are our enimy in saltwater. Most use RODI water. You can use distilled water. I know 2 different guys in the buisness and they use regular water in their stores. 1 of them has a water softener and the other just uses regular city water. Years ago everybody used regular tap water but things were different then we didn't know the benifits of RODI.

[MCF]

OK..going to summarize all my outstanding questions here. AGain, looking to make 55 gallon long a marine tank with fish only and really only interested in a couple of clown fish or maybe some damsel fish...nothing too complicated.

1. With Ehiem 2126 thermofilter, will an additional Skilter Filter 250 be sufficient for filtration and protein skimmer?
2. With tank as described with white/black 'live' sandy substrate, is live rock required and how much?
3. Is it ok to have Texas Holley Rock in a marine tank?
4. Regarding water, can I use distilled bottled water? It would be a pain for first fill, but not bad for subsequent water changes.
5. For a 55 gallon tank with the Ehiem 2126 and Skilter Filter, how often and how much water should be changed?
6. I have a freshwater test kit that measures NH3, Nitrites, Nitrates, High Ph and Ph. What other paremeters (other than SG) need to be measured for a marine tank (FO)?
7. What are your goals for measured values in question 6 (0 NH3, 0 Nitrites and 0 Nitrates)?

Thanks!!

[MCF]

Thanks for all the help....the wealth of informatio is overwhelming....:l augh:

[dfurbee]

It would be worth your money to purchase a RO/DI unit. It really makes a difference with salt water. This hobby takes a lot of patience, but is well worth it

[MCF]

Thanks....now only 6 questions left unanswered.

How much is the water treatment unit?

[SweeTang22]

it depends on were you get it and who made it lol. i use a kent maxxima 3 stage that will produce about 35 gallons a day. i love it and recomend it to anybody on the market. i also use kent salt water mix. its the best that ive noticed. if your going to use the skilter then you wont need the canister. keep it around just in case you end up with a heavy bioload or your rock re-cycles on you!

I purchased my RO unit from drsfostersmith.com but you might be able to find it cheaper else where. im not sure. i've heard that purchasing LR from them is also a good alternative. i dont know your location so i cant tell you of any good stores around but i will say this, make sure you find the right person. some LFS just tell you stuff to make a sale and some actually know what there talking about. rest assured that here on RB you get the right answers!!

[SweeTang22]

what are the other 6 questions??

[SweeTang22]

Originally Posted by MCF

Thanks...where can you get RO (reverse osmosis water)? Can you get pre cured live rock at any good pet/fish store?

With my setup as it is, what would you limit your fish count to? Maybe less then 10 total? If I can get a nice mix of marine fish and get another Eheim canister filter, I can, but trying to keep from buying another $200 canister filter if not necessary.

i would shoot for about 8 fish depending on what your doing. if your going predatory fish such as groupers, large wrasse and puffers of the sort, then your not going to get much in there. each of these fish will more then likely take 10-15 gallons or more each. this limiting you to about 3 fish. with this setup you will want to choose wisely so you dont get (bored) with your setup after a few days.

if your doing mixed community then you will have more options. your could end up doing a bunch of reef-dwelling species without the reef, only if you have LR though. they need places to hide. with this setup you could include most any goby, dwarf angels, six line wrasse, maybe clowns, damsels basslets, hawkfish, ETC.

none the less, you will need to research each fish you want and find its compatability. this will ensure that you dont have a tank with unmatched species. (lionfish with gobies) <- this is not a good mix

[MCF]

Thanks all......are you sure the skilter filter would be sufficient without the Eheim 2126!?!?! As with freshwater, all I read on marine tanks is filter, filter , filter!!!! I didn't think the skilter filter (even the bigger model) would provide enough filtration!??!?? I am starting to lean against the marine tank because the equipment cost was getting too high...I told myself I would do marine if I could use my existing equipment and spend less than $400 (less fish) to get a marine setup so my number were going like this:

1. New Eheim 2126 (marine Version) - $350
2. RO/DI - $200
3. Live Rock - $100 - $200
4. Skilter Filter - $50

Total - $700. If I could get away from replacing the Eheim, I may be ok on pricing, but I don't want a 'poor' tank. I also have an AC110 HOB filter, but I am pretty sure it is for freshwater use only (anyone know)??

Regarding the RO/DI, how do you connect it, is it only used when filling and adding water so it connects to your faucet?? I use a python and an outdoor faucet to fill my tank now...how would the RO/DI work with that set up??

Thanks!!

[Tonz of fun]

I wouldnt pay 200 for a RO/DI unless you wanted too. I got mine for 100 and it rocks peoples socks off. Im a firm believer in doing natural sump snd refuigium filters how dead set are you on that canister??? That the link to the RO system.

www.airwaterice.com Mighty Mite with DI Added

[DoLceNBeLLa]

NO SKILTER FILTER!!

Sorry for yelling but my skilter was absolutely useless and I think it's the reason why my tank was literally a forest of hair algae for a good year. I switched to a skimmer and within a few days it was taking out massive amounts of waste...while the skilter was still on!! I never had to clean the skilter but the skimmer needs cleaning every few days because it gets filled so fast.

Try craigslist.org if you're really pressed for money. Sometimes they have amazing deals on filters, tanks, livestock etc because people are always upgrading or downsizing and can't use their old equipment even though it's pretty new.

[SweeTang22]

i wouldnt use one either. i didnt want to be mean so i decided against saying anything. i would buy the nicest skimmer your money will buy. deltec, euro reef, or asm is what mtfable would recommend! i took his advice and bought an ASM and it works great. my tank is 10x's cleaner now. the canister will not be needed but as i mentioned earlier will work well for a mechanical filter. just rememer to clean it often enough or your nitrates will start to climb!

the ac110 can be used in both. not needed i would just stay away from it. if your not on a budget why not set up a sump and refugium? with a sump you can use a wet dry filter and then hide your heater and skimmer down there. less stuff in your tank, which leaves you with more room for rock work!

[MCF]

Originally Posted by SweeTang22

i wouldnt use one either. i didnt want to be mean so i decided against saying anything. i would buy the nicest skimmer your money will buy. deltec, euro reef, or asm is what mtfable would recommend! i took his advice and bought an ASM and it works great. my tank is 10x's cleaner now. the canister will not be needed but as i mentioned earlier will work well for a mechanical filter. just rememer to clean it often enough or your nitrates will start to climb!

the ac110 can be used in both. not needed i would just stay away from it. if your not on a budget why not set up a sump and refugium? with a sump you can use a wet dry filter and then hide your heater and skimmer down there. less stuff in your tank, which leaves you with more room for rock work!

I would think about a sump, but I have absolutely no idea how to do that...I do have a cabinet beneath the tank that I could set the sump, but I have no idea how to set one up.....what about a nice skimmer in place of the AC110 and Eheim (there will not be an eheim at all now since I can't use mine with freshwater). I do have a budget. I would like to get a nice running tank for ~$400 less fish. Sounds like all i have that will work with marine is the tank, substrate and lights. Would a nice Deltec (which is $400) be all the filter/skimmer I need (no other filtration). But then I still have to get an RO/DI....

[MCF]

OK...so with a 55 gallon (still), would a Deltec protein skimmer (~$350) along with an AC110 be sufficient filtration (actually, I want MORE than sufficient). If not, I would go ahead and get an Deltec AND a new Eheim 2128 (for marine) for the extra filtration and heater and get rid of the AC110.

Regarding the RO/DI, how is it used? Is it connected all the time to the tank or is it put in-line between the outside water faucet and the tank when filling and adding?? I have looked and can't find how they are actually used. Could I house it in the cabinet beneath the tank and then when I want to use it, run the outside hose to it and then run the line fron the RO/DI unit to the top of the tank?? Also a little confused by the capacity of the things...once you fill the tank, you should only need a capacity of say less than 25GPD for adding water and make-up water after partial water changes or am I missing something? Thanks!

[SweeTang22]

oh yes. thats actually over kill on the skimmer, which is a GOOD thing!!

the RO/DI units can be used with an auto top off unit. i have mine hard lined right in the cold water line in the house. i bought a different container to hold the ro water. from there i use a modified python filter hooked up to a submersible water pump. proabably more then you needed to know but i think it will work better for you if you just rely on good old muscle. the container will be in a different part of the house or next to or where ever it works.

sumps are not to bad. its easier if the tank is pre-drilled but in your case it is not. with that said you will need to either make your own overflow box or by a prefabricated one. there not to expensive i think about 20 bucks or less. i dont know though. you can by a sump that is all set up and loaded for you, the only thing you do is hook it up too all the in and out lines. sumps are nice because you can hide all of your equipment! i dont use one yet because im broke but when i get money im getting one.