My first saltwater tank.

[Stephen Hiatt]

I just got a 65 gallon tank that I plan on making it a saltwater aquarium. I think it's about time to explore Saltwater, as I currently have multiple successful freshwater aquariums, with my largest being a 210 gallon. This would be my first Saltwater aquarium, and I think I already have the basics down, but it anyone could explain them it would be much appreciated.

I was just planning on getting some soft corals so I'm not dropping $300 on lights. Are there any lights that I should get to grow corals well? The tank is 36" long and 24" wide. I'm hoping to not spend much more than $150 on lighting. I found these and they have a lot of good reviews, but I'd like to hear from someone else on the forum if I should get them or not.

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-...=led reef aquarium lighting&tag=vglnkc7281-20

Here is my planned stock list: 2 Cardinal fish, 2 Royal Gramams, 2 Red Firefish, 2 Purple Firefish, 4 Ocellaris Clownfish, 2 Cleaner Shrimp, and assorted snails. Any suggestions on the stock list would also be appreciated. I'd like to know if some of these fish aren't compatible, or if there are too many.

Here's my profile on a freshwater forum. I know all of the freshwater basics, so I don't need anyone to explain the basics on saltwater that may overlap with fresh (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc...)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/members/stephen-hiatt.144159/

 

[dustinkimpel]

I haven't used those lights but Im all with you on cheap lighting. They look like they would work if your tank isn't very deep and you just want lower light and some sps corals. I'm running the previous brand version of these on my 55gallon with great success:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WELLPAR-165...304755?hash=item2818a73b73:g:KtQAAOSwfC9XPYVl

From those reviews for the ones you posted it looks like people are having success. I bet if you e-mail the company they'd even tell you if they would be good for your tank or not.

go with 2 Clownfish not 4 and 1 Royal Gramma if not they will fight. 1 cleaner shrimp will be fine for that size tank. If you want another fish I'd go with a dwarf angel but some will nip on corals so that's a gamble.

Things you need for saltwater and not fresh:

RODI unit
SKIMMER
LIVE ROCK
30 DAYS break in period

Things you want for your own sanity:

SUMP
Auto Top Off


Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

I was thinking about soft corals because (I think) they require the least amount of lighting. Thanks for the advice on the fish. Is this the same light? It looks the same and has a very similar title. From what I saw it was a 16" model and for $90 it looks like a steal.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WELLPAR-165...soffType=SaleAndClearence&_trksid=p5731.m3795

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

I actually already looked at getting a Flame Angel but found out about the coral nipping. Why exactly do I need an RODI unit? I can't just add declorinator and mix the salt into the water? I was thinking about Zoanthid corals and anemones for the clowns. Are there any other corals you would suggest?

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

I was already planning on getting the live rock and a skimmer. I found one that has good reviews on amazon for what seems to be a decent price. If there is another that you would recommend I'm open to suggestions.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CML49CK/ref=crt_ewc_title_gw_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[fishchef]

I actually already looked at getting a Flame Angel but found out about the coral nipping. Why exactly do I need an RODI unit? I can't just add declorinator and mix the salt into the water? I was thinking about Zoanthid corals and anemones for the clowns. Are there any other corals you would suggest?

Too many unknown properties in tap water. Its not just dechlorination. Check for more information online.

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

Any RODI units you would recommend?

 

[MuShu]

I would wait on anemones and get duncan corals instead. Duncans will host clowns and will be better for someone getting started.

RO/DI is definitely something you need. It removes almost all the dissolved particles from your water, and creates a much healthier environment.

Not all dwarf angels will nip corals. Flames, coral beauties, and potters seem to have a better reputation- see if you LFS would be willing to switch out the angel if you get a nipper.

 

[MuShu]

Any RODI units you would recommend?

Spectrapure is good.

 

[fishchef]

Check out BRS online. 4 or 5 stage should do the trick.

 

[j_mazzy]

rpdi removes all the tds

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

Check out BRS online. 4 or 5 stage should do the trick.

Spectrapure is good.

I'll check out both of them. Now that I'm only getting half the clowns, grammas, and shrimp, what fish would you recommend? I was think blue green chromis.

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

I was looking for the best one for the price. Is this a good one? Four stage for $150.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-75gpd-2.html

 

[fishchef]

Looks like the $199 comes with a TDS meter. You'll need that. We used 4 stage for years.

 

[dustinkimpel]

I was looking for the best one for the price. Is this a good one? Four stage for $150.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-75gpd-2.html

That's the same one I have, except I have the pressure gauge and tds reader, great unit! Keep in mind you should only have about the amount of fish just listed for that size tank. You can try for a smaller tang but many people frown upon them being in smaller tanks and it may get aggressive. look at a kole or a yellow I would recommend a flame angel or coral beauty.

 

[farfromsea]

Any RODI units you would recommend?

I buy all of my RODI water from a local fish store but having your own unit is efficient. Make sure you check and see if your municipality adds chloramines to the water. Mine does so if I get a RODI unit I need to get one that filters those out.

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

I buy all of my RODI water from a local fish store but having your own unit is efficient. Make sure you check and see if your municipality adds chloramines to the water. Mine does so if I get a RODI unit I need to get one that filters those out.

I already checked. I have no chloromines.

 

[dustinkimpel]

forgot to mention you will need 1 - 2 mixing containers. I use 22 gallon Rubbermaid tubs from Walmart that come with the lids. Cost about 5 -10 bucks a piece.

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

That's the same one I have, except I have the pressure gauge and tds reader, great unit! Keep in mind you should only have about the amount of fish just listed for that size tank. You can try for a smaller tang but many people frown upon them being in smaller tanks and it may get aggressive. look at a kole or a yellow I would recommend a flame angel or coral beauty.

I've already looked at a yellow tang, and I don't want to risk the aggressiveness. I also don't want to be scolded on this forum about having a tang in a 65 gallon. I really like those two Angels. Would I be able to keep them both?

 

[Stephen Hiatt]

forgot to mention you will need 1 - 2 mixing containers. I use 22 gallon Rubbermaid tubs from Walmart that come with the lids. Cost about 5 -10 bucks a piece.

I was going to change about 10 gallons per week so I was planning on getting 3 5 gallon buckets.