would like to try a salt tank

somerton16

i would like to start a little 10 gallon salt tank since i have a spare one sitting around. i read the 25 steps to setting up a tank. my question is would i need a skimmer or anything crazy for a small tank. would i be able to get by with just a HOB filter i only want maybe 1-2 clown fish. or would i be able to just get by with some live rock and water changes, i know that small tanks are a recipe for disaster but would like to give it a shot then maybe turn my 55 to a salt tank. thats if i can get by with out major troubles and headaches. i have test kits and salt fom my uncl just sitting in the garage. do you think i could just use boiled water instead of RO/DI water filter??

Nereaga

Hey Somerton,

In regards to your water question, scratch the idea of boiling water. IMO, I would look for RO filtered water, distilled, or LAST resort, spring. NEVER use your household water for your sw tank. Townships add a lot of chemicals to the waterr to make sure it is safe for us to drink. Even well water has HIGH mineral content and should not be used. If you want, get a professional to test your water.

RO/DI water is the best you can offer your sw tank. It is free from pollutants. Sometimes local fish stores sell this by the gallon for cheap. Just make sure they are credible before trusting them.

I would buy new salt aswell. I don't know how long that has been sitting around or what has gotten in it and died. Salt is relatively cheap....

What kind of test kits do you have?

HTH,

Brad

CBRrider

You will definately need a skimmer for that 10G.. (IMO) I think you should in all honesty, start your first Marine tank with the 55G. It will make it a lot easier to gain positive experience and have greater success. I started with a 55G and when done correctly, they can be a very easy system to maintain... In my opinion of course.... Either way were here to help so dont be afraid to ask for advise.---->CBR

somerton16

thanks for the advice. i dont think i should start a marine tank in the 55 yet. i was just gonna give it a shot if i could get away with out a skimmer since i had a little of what i needed to get started. i was gonna try and get away with out spending alot of money. eventually i will be getting one. once i get bored of the fresh water fish i guess. lol thanks for the help all

501scionxb

Hey Somerton if u look down at some of the posts u will find my post about a 10gal saltwater tank. i have had mine up for almost 2 months now its running really well. i have coraline algae growing now and i just added my first fish. in regards to the filtering i would get a cpr or an aquac either way u will need a skimmer i have seen one without a skimmer at the lfs i go to but its so pampered. you could get a hob that has an overflow feature like one from drfostersmith.com. i had a filter off my 55gal cleaned it and had it goin when i first set up my tank. with hob filters u run the risk of having a nitrate problem. i have about 15 lbs of live rock and my cycle only lasted about 6 to 8 days. 1 clown will be all u could do in that tank. with that said im goin a tad bit smaller firefish and a royal gramma only cause i want it to be a lil livelier than usual. if u have any questions about what i did in my tank pm me or ask me on my thread or yours it doesnt matter. everything cost me around 200-250 to start up. try lookin on ebay for skimmers and lights thats where i got mine from.

501scionxb

heres a link to a skimmer thats not too much. http://cgi.ebay.com/SKIMMER-CPR-BAK-...QQcmdZViewItem