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[evan.myers.104]

Hello. I'm new to the marine hobby. I've had fresh water aquariums for a few years now and am ready to take in saltwater. I do not currently have a saltwater tank but am converting fresh to salt very soon. Any advice on what equipment to jeep and what equipment to buy new wod be appreciated. The tank I am converting is a 65 gallon. I an on going with FOWLR. Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[bbtm64]

My best advice is research and more research. Think about what type of tank you want, fish only, fish only w/ live rock or a reef. Fish only being the easiest to maintain.
Keeping a reef tank is a mixture of science and art, lol.
I'd also recommend looking for a local reef club. They usually are full of great info.

 

[evan.myers.104]

Well, I live in mississippi so no reef clubs but I do nothing but research. I plan on starting by curing just live rock and then go from there. What I want to know is what equipment I need that differs from fresh water. I have a sump coming. Should I invest in a skimmer? I'm open to suggestions. Just looking for help getting started.

 

[bbtm64]

I'd definitely use a skimmer.
Most equipment that you use for freshwater can be used for saltwater. Filters, heaters, etc. The nice thing about using a sump is, if its large enough, you can hide your heater and such in it. What equipment do you have now?

I would invest in a high quality test kit such as Salifert or SeaChem. In my experience API's kits are unreliable.

 

[mike007]

Welcome

 

[evan.myers.104]

I have a emperor 400 hob. I have a sun sun canister. A uv filter. A 65 g tank heaters and all other freshwater supplies. Single full spectrum t8 which I plan on upgrading. Sump on the way.

 

[evan.myers.104]

Thanks mike007

 

[evan.myers.104]

This is the 65 I'm converting.

 

[evan.myers.104]

How many gph skimmer do I need for a 65g?

 

[evan.myers.104]

The sump I'm getting is eshopps rs 100

 

[bbtm64]

This is a pretty good guide.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=434

 

[evan.myers.104]

Can the protein skimmer wait until my tank is established? Does instant ocean salt mix contain everything needed or do I need supplements for FOWLR?

 

[evan.myers.104]

Sorry. But I have lots of ?'s.

 

[Jenaleigh1]

Check out the beginner forum. It has always been very helpful for me. Check the equipment forum also. It's helpful, too.

 

[bbtm64]

No problem
It can be added later.

 

[bbtm64]

Instant Ocean should be fine. You can always use Reef Crystals too if you want.
All the equipment you listed can be used.

 

[evan.myers.104]

Thanks. I want everything in order before I convert. I have to find a home for my beloved freshies. Lol. They are my babies but it is time to move on to more challenging hobbies. Is 65g a good starting point or should I consider my 40 or 30?

 

[evan.myers.104]

Also any advice on the sump would be appreciated. I also got the overflow for it.

 

[slate744]

I started with a 55 gal. Without a sump and i regret it. Its nice to be able to hide your equipment instead of it all visible in your display tank. If i were you i would look into getting your tank drilled and a bulkhead put in.

 

[evan.myers.104]

What are the drawbacks of a overflow. That's what I have so it will have to do for now. I am a mechanic so I'm not opposed to modifying things just need to know the pros and cons.