Freshwater Conversion to Saltwater!

Tannermccoy · Oct 11, 2018

Hello everyone! My name is Tanner and I'm considering converting my 20 gallon high to a saltwater tank. I have kept a freshwater aquarium for over 2 years and want to take the next step to a small saltwater tank.

I know a larger tank would be more ideal, but unfortunately is not an option in my current situation.

Is this equiptment all that is necessary for a FOWLR tank?

1. 20 G High aquarium with Aquarium hood and light (already have )
2. Tetra Whisperer HOB filter ( already have, will consider other filters if this isn't ideal)
3. Tank heater (Already have )
4. Pool Filter sand thats been in freshwater for over a year. Is live sand or other type necessary?
5. Live Rock ( planning to get roughly 10lbs live rock, 10 lbs dry rock and let it cycle for a little)
6. Air Stone (already have )
7. Powerhead/pump
8. Test kits (hydrometer, etc.)
9. Salinity mix
10. Skimmer (Is it necessary for this setup?)

I want to make sure i'm not missing any essential equipment before making the switch.

Stocking Plans
1. Pair of Clownfish
2. 1-2 other small active fish ( open to suggestions)
3.1-2 Inverts (open to suggestions, if this is ideal. Starfish, Crab, Shrimp, etc.)

Not really set on any specific fish so any stocking suggestions are appreciated.

Would like to keep cost as minimum as possible, but also not take any shortcuts that will shorten the lifespan of any critters.

Thanks, any advice is appreciated!!

ndrwater · Oct 11, 2018

Love the idea, and going to answer your questions as best I can in order.

#4, live sand is not necessary at all. Most people use crushed coral or aragonite... Or nothing at all. That's called going bare bottom
#6 I'd skip this. Salt creep is a pain, and blowing bubbles in saltwater will make this a non essential mess.
#10 a skimmer isn't 100% necessary, but definitely would help. Get something slightly oversized for your tank as most manufacturers are...ahem... Optimistic with their ratings.
I like your plan with stocking, just do a LOT or reading about fish compatibility a d diet requirements.. many people skip this part which oftentimes leads to heartache...

Keep the questions coming!!

ndrwater · Oct 11, 2018

Double post...

Tannermccoy · Oct 11, 2018

Thank you for the response! Will definately purchase the skimmer. And drop the Air stone!

So the HOB filter is okay for Saltwater as well? Just continue running it how I have been for Freshwater will work?

ndrwater · Oct 11, 2018

Tannermccoy said:
Thank you for the response! Will definately purchase the skimmer. And drop the Air stone!

So the HOB filter is okay for Saltwater as well? Just continue running it how I have been for Freshwater will work?

A HOB filter will absolutely work in a saltwater tank. Just make sure to start out with a new cartridge/media.
In a tank if your size, a HOB is a great idea without having to break the bank. There ARE other options out there, but for a FOWLR, I think you are just fine.

Just noted (and edited) my earlier post about the skimmer. It ISN'T 100% necessary, but still definitely a good idea. A skimmer removes dissolved organics in a way that no other filtration can. Maintaining water quality as good as we possibly can goes a very long way to fish health and long term survivability.

Tannermccoy · Oct 11, 2018

ndrwater said:
A HOB filter will absolutely work in a saltwater tank. Just make sure to start out with a new cartridge/media.
In a tank if your size, a HOB is a great idea without having to break the bank. There ARE other options out there, but for a FOWLR, I think you are just fine.

Awesome, thank you!

So considering I'm set on most stuff I need to get Live Rock, a skimmer, and a powerhead/pump and then i can start setting up.

Tannermccoy · Oct 11, 2018

Is the 10 lb live rock enough if i mix it with 10 lb dry rock? That stuff gets expensive.

ndrwater · Oct 11, 2018

You may find that 10# is enough. Starting with a couple small pieces of live rock, and filling in your scapes with dry works just as well. You really only need to "seed" the rock with a bit of live rock. The more live you get, the faster things get going, but definitely not a requirement

Tannermccoy · Oct 11, 2018

ndrwater said:
You may find that 10# is enough. Starting with a couple small pieces of live rock, and filling in your scapes with dry works just as well. You really only need to "seed" the rock with a bit of live rock. The more live you get, the faster things get going, but definitely not a requirement

One more question regarding water current, how much is needed? Would a pump of 250 mph work or is that too low?

Geebs19 · Oct 11, 2018

Looks like some great answers above.

Welcome to R2R!

ndrwater · Oct 11, 2018

Tannermccoy said:
One more question regarding water current, how much is needed? Would a pump of 250 mph work or is that too low?

250 MPH would be INSANE!! (just messin)
250 GPH would be good. Depending in the types of fish you had, mabe even a tad much. If I had to make a suggestion, look into a variable speed pump like an Ecotech MP10 or the like. That would allow you to fine tune things as necessary