Considering saltwater

[wvned]

Do you have a local fish store. Some sell all kinds of rock by the pound.
None of the systems pictured above by me use carbon or a filter media like floss, sponges or socks.
Ultimately you want every bit of food you put in the tank eaten over and over again and finally by bacteria until it is phosphates and nitrates removed by your water changes.

 

[griss]

Agree with the above. If you're on Facebook, people who are getting out of the hobby are selling constantly. One piece of advice, if you're going to buy something used, research what the cost would be new. IMO/IME you should be able to get used items for about 50% of the cost of new.

 

[Patscom4]

I understand and applaud you not setting up a saltwater tank until you are prepared financially. That is very wise on your part.

You can use a combination of live rock and dry rock. Not all fresh water rock can be used however because some rock for freshwater have metals in them that the saltwater will corroded. Tufa rock is OK and there are dry rock specifically for saltwater sold online. Sometimes the cheapest way to get live rock is to watch for someone who wants to tear down their saltwater tank. That is how I got started when I first got into the hobby.

Yes, you can use filter floss or a sponge in the HOB filter along with carbon. The rock once it's cycled and live will be the main source of filtration. Water changes are also an important aspect of maintaining a healthy tank enviroment, especially when the tank is newer.

Thank yo so much!

 

[vlangel]

Do you have a local fish store. Some sell all kinds of rock by the pound.
None of the systems pictured above by me use carbon or a filter media like floss, sponges or socks.
Ultimately you want every bit of food you put in the tank eaten over and over again and finally by bacteria until it is phosphates and nitrates removed by your water changes.

My tank also does not use media; the rock and sand are my main source of filtration but my tank is 8 years old and very mature.
Another aspect of my tank that filters or more accurately uptakes

nutrients is my display has ornamental macroalgae. (You can see a green finger like plant in the backround and a bright red like plant right behind the midas blenny). Macroalgae looks like saltwater plants. They utilize nitrates and phosphates to grow and just need pruned to keep them from taking over ( kind of like gardening). They can add a lot of beauty to the a tank and hiding places for shy fish along with reducing excess nutrients.
Have you ever kept freshwater plants in your freshwater aquarium? It is similar to that if you have ever done that.

 

[wvned]

Another nice website with interesting things
Macro Algae: Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae | Gulf Coast Ecosystems

 

[Patscom4]

My tank also does not use media; the rock and sand are my main source of filtration but my tank is 8 years old and very mature.
Another aspect of my tank that filters or more accurately uptakes View attachment 32409921nutrients is my display has ornamental macroalgae. (You can see a green finger like plant in the backround and a bright red like plant right behind the midas blenny). Macroalgae looks like saltwater plants. They utilize nitrates and phosphates to grow and just need pruned to keep them from taking over ( kind of like gardening). They can add a lot of beauty to the a tank and hiding places for shy fish along with reducing excess nutrients.
Have you ever kept freshwater plants in your freshwater aquarium? It is similar to that if you have ever done that.

Hi! Yes, I’m lucky to have RMS Aquaculture just down the street from me. As to the plants, I have a planted aquarium now (though every thing is slow growing.

 

[vlangel]

Hi! Yes, I’m lucky to have RMS Aquaculture just down the street from me. As to the plants, I have a planted aquarium now (though every thing is slow growing.

OK, looking at your freshwater tank more closely, I can see Amazon sword and other live plants. The plants look healthy in your tank so I am thinking that you will do well with macroalgae if you want to try them. The link that @wvned posted is where I purchased most of my macroalgae. They are an excellent source and I highly recommend them. I will say that macroalgae growing in favorable conditions can grow so rapidly as to become invasive. Some species are worse than others. I can help give guidance on good one to start with. In a tank without coral that may not be as big of a problem because you are not worrying about your coral being over run.

 

[wvned]

Mostly you just pull out what you dont want.

 

[Patscom4]

Agree with the above. If you're on Facebook, people who are getting out of the hobby are selling constantly. One piece of advice, if you're going to buy something used, research what the cost would be new. IMO/IME you should be able to get used items for about 50% of the cost of new.

Good to know. Thanks!