Where do I start, Beginner needs some help.

[jdarland02]

Hey all, I have a few questions. Looking to get a small marine setup for my room. Thinking 13 gallons or so with a clownfish or two, maybe a small clean up crew and what not. Not really looking at corals yet, just dry rock. Question 1: As someone who has kept large Cichlids, would it be difficult/overly-expensive to keep and maintain a marine setup of this size? Question 2: Can I use a high flow hang-on-side filter and small power head and still have sufficient water quality? (Changing filter cartridge often). Question 3: Is it worth it to buy pre-mixed marine water or mix the water yourself? And finally Question 4: What does weekly maintenance on a small marine tank look like? Thank you!

 

[Snoopy 67]

Only you know what expensive is. Yes to question 2. Question 3 is a little difficult to answer because most people use RODI water & mix it. You have to determine if you can get premixed & the cost against gallons of appropriate fresh water most likely from a store or supermarket & add the cost of salt.
Weekly maintenance is the same as a freshwater except for using saltwater.