New here...figured Id say hey!

[mfp4073]

I have not even got a tank set up yet, but since I am in the process and in central florida I thought I would say hi. My goal is a 6 gal bowfront that I found in the trash (but is actually a very nice tank). In the past I have done reg community tanks, ciclid tanks, and plant tanks, but never got up the nerve to try saltwater.

(my 10 gal plant tank)

I am doing this as cheap as possible (same as my plant tank) and am in the process of setting up cooling fans for the tanks hood out of an old computer powersupply and fans! Once I get that straight I will be ready for water and liverock.

Thats it for now!



(what I am working with for my marine setup)

 

[waterfaller1]

Welcome! Beautiful planted tank, you should do well with a saltwater aquarium. Make sure you clean that little tank well, you don't know if it's had copper in it. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[rdmpe]

That should be nice! Is that pebbles or crushed coral in the bottom? You know you'll have to vacume that out regularly right? IMO sand is easier to deal with since you can get a small conch, nassarius snails, etc. to keep it clean, and there are a lot of critters like spagetti worms and such that like to live in the sand. If you want to go low cost, you can use a bag of play sand from lowes. There are also several people around town who may have some aragonite sand that they could give you. You wouldn't need much for that little tank! You can also buy some Live Sand from Sea in the City, not sure of the price but it probably isn't too bad...

 

[mfp4073]

No worries, all that crap in there is going out the door (its little blue rounded painted stones). It was more of a picture to show the cleaned up tank! I would love to come up with either a cheap sand from lowes or someone that has a little extra "laying around" somewhere. The LFS that I have been going to for my plant stuff suggested some crushed coral like stuff at around $15 for a bag.

 

[thor32766]

yeah when you get going make sure and go meet marcye at Sea in the City. You will help you out greatly.
www.seainthecity.com

 

[rdmpe]

I'd skip the crushed coral for sure. Sand or bare bottom would be better IMO. Since you are doing a nano size tank for your first salt water tank, I think you should really take it slow. I've never had a nano but from what I've heard they are very challenging since there is so little water volume. Very easy to get the chemistry messed up...

If you keep an eye out here you can find some mature live rock from someone's reef tank - that will help you avoid the initial cycles and algae outbreaks that are so common with new tanks. Also stocking very slowly will help avoid those problems.

I used to have a 30 gallon planted tank with CO2 system, tons of light, etc. It was a great tank!

Initial setup

The jungle at the end - I used to sell plants and snails on ebay out of this tank...

 

[mfp4073]

I like both versions of your plant tank! I have been leaning toward sand for the "cheapness" factor. At this point I am in a little over my head for really knowing what I can and cant do with the salt when it comes to cutting corners. I was told all sorts of crap with the plant tank and just kinda took it slow. I got off REALLY cheap with the plant tank and it turned out pretty good and has been running almost 2 years now. I have NO co2 injection, walmart undercabnet lights w/ proper bulbs (although walmart is now selling plant spectrum bulb/light asseblies for $10). I never got complicated and got those fancy test kits, just the standard stuff for normal tanks and do regular cleanings and water changes. Heres my fancy light setup!

 

[Me No Nemo]

I'd really stay away from crushed coral...especially in a nano tank. You will have a problem keeping your nitrates and phosphates down. In a tank that size you shouldn't need much sand, so the cost won't be outrageous. I've run a 10 gallon on (2) Aquaclear filters for the past year and it does very well as long as I do a 2 gallon water change per week. GL, and welcome to the world of salt Marcye