Reef tank time

RhymeTime · Sep 12, 2013

Hey guys. You may have seen my intro post in the meet and greet section but I wanted to ask my real questions here. Basically I am looking at getting into the reef tank hobby and I don't have a whole lot of money to put down at one time. So I want to do this over time but if possible I don't want to have to wait 6 months to start doing something. I don't mind getting a tank started on the cycling process now then waiting longer to get a fish or two.

For my main question in addition to the tank what do I need to get started? I have this filter:
aquatop cf-400uv canister fileter (I believe rated for 150 gal?)

I am not sure if it will work with saltwater (any advice) if it will work then that is awesome. I also have a heater rated for 100 gal. And an air pump. This is currently a freshwater setup with 3 (yes only 3) cichlids (all the other ones were killed thus my reasoning for getting out). I want to change to a reef tank and I want a communal tank. I don't mind doing maintenance but the less maintenance the better. I am excited to hear what you guys have to say.

robbrouse · Sep 12, 2013

First of all welcome to the site. As you will find out salt water is a lot of things but cheap is not one of the,. I would not use the canister filer or the air pump in your salt later tank.

You will want to set reef safe sand and rock. Some go live, but you can user base or dead rock to get things going.

When I first started out I wanted to to it on the cheap and got the wrong tank, wrong lights ETC.. Now I make it all work but I upgraded about 2 weeks ago. I'd start by reading all you can about the hobby. 6 months before your first fish is nothing new. It took me about 4 months to get all my stuff together and about 7 weeks to cycle my tank.

The lighting can and most of the time is the most costly thing you will buy. The tuns on your tank now might be enough for a fish only tank, but will not give you enough light for corals. I think you said you had a 40 gallon tank, nice starter tank and will get you going. Do some reading and set a budget and start having fun.

RhymeTime · Sep 13, 2013

Well thanks for the information. I was afraid that was going to happen. But that's ok. I am willing to take the time. I have a tight budget but I think I can still make it work and do it right. Any recommendations for where to start reading. I have done a little looking around this site but not a whole lot. I know the very basics but need to look at what kind of equipment I would need and then what to look for in that equipment. I'll keep searching but if someone knows something real quick that would be helpful. Thanks.

robbrouse · Sep 13, 2013

You have the tank and heater. Will want sand and rock.. one or two power heads. Salt mix to make water. Power heads come in all different sizes and prices with Maxi Jets being the cheapest. I would not go with them. They break easy.

I would suggest you user RO/DI water. You can buy a unit and make water your self or you can buy RO/DO water at some local fish stores. I have some that will sell you salt water for .50 a gallon.

One book that I start with was The Marine Reef Aquarium by Philip Hunt. $25 and it answered a lot of questions.

You also need to stop by a few if not all if you Local Pet Fish shop and start picking there brain. Ask them questions and then come here to see if they are filling you full of bull.

So why did you decide to give up on the cichlids. Some of them are beautiful fish and they are pretty cool to watch. When I started keeping freshwater again about 22 years ago I also did that, but my water in my house was off and at that time I knew nothing about RO/DI and the internet was not really around..

J062682l · Sep 14, 2013

As for a pump go with a fluval 75 always go bigger then your tank

RhymeTime · Sep 14, 2013

robbrouse said:
You have the tank and heater. Will want sand and rock.. one or two power heads. Salt mix to make water. Power heads come in all different sizes and prices with Maxi Jets being the cheapest. I would not go with them. They break easy.

I would suggest you user RO/DI water. You can buy a unit and make water your self or you can buy RO/DO water at some local fish stores. I have some that will sell you salt water for .50 a gallon.

One book that I start with was The Marine Reef Aquarium by Philip Hunt. $25 and it answered a lot of questions.

You also need to stop by a few if not all if you Local Pet Fish shop and start picking there brain. Ask them questions and then come here to see if they are filling you full of bull.

So why did you decide to give up on the cichlids. Some of them are beautiful fish and they are pretty cool to watch. When I started keeping freshwater again about 22 years ago I also did that, but my water in my house was off and at that time I knew nothing about RO/DI and the internet was not really around..

I am getting away from Cichlids because I started the tank off completely wrong. I only have three fish two of which are too big for the tank I have and none of which should be in the same tank as each other. I am tired of dealing with an aggressive species I want something that is going to be easier to take care and I can enjoy more.

glb · Sep 14, 2013

I did fish only for three years while I learned. I think it's a great way to get used to saltwater. Also, it allows you to save up and get the equipment you need for coral down the road. You don't need fancy lights for fish and if you start with dry live rock, which is less costly, it will have plenty of time to become live. Good luck!