Switching to saltwater tanks

[Aussie_boy64]

Hi! i have been using freshwater for about 4 months now and looking to change to saltwater tanks i live on the beach of Birubi Anna bay NSW Australia and I'm looking to make my new tank a local tank of either beach setting or rock pools so i was wondering i believe i can take water from the beach and use it but can i take rock sand and fish and use them in my tank?
I have a filter heater and thermometer and lights already and the tank is in a good position so will what i want to do possible and i was also looking to put watchmen gobies Jawfish and maybe some clowns in my tank as well as some cleaner shrimp and snails. Thanks any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and answers!

 

[RobZilla04]

You can set up with water, rocks, and sand from your beach. My suggestion would be to let everything cycle for a month and get some test results. Specifically Amm, Nitra, Nitri, & pH before attempting to add anything. On the down side you really don't know what pests or harmful nutrients you've seeded into the tank that can create big problems down the line.

Best option would be start fresh. Make salt water from RO/DI. Get live rock and let it cure in buckets or a brute can for 4 weeks with weekly water changes.

 

[Aussie_boy64]

Thanks for the reply! yea I've been talking to some friends at fish shops about it and they said almost the same thing which is good but with the fish from the beach will they be ok or will i need to buy some?

 

[scooters reef]

When I was stationed in Hawaii I caught almost all my own fish and critters. I had a collector's license, so check your local laws, but you catching them is better than someone else doing it, transport stress, and then pay for the same fish in the store

I miss those days. I'm jealous

 

[Aussie_boy64]

i was talking to some people at the fish shop and if i put small fish in the tank it will help with the cycle? and jawfish should be put in first to create there den?