First saltwater tank?

[Alyxx]

I am toying with the idea of turning my 20 gal tank into a salt tank after I move my puffers into their new tank. I have never done a marine tank but I've wanted one forever, and for the past year having a brackish tank has got me even more curious. Most likely my 20 will go back to fresh once the fish get moved, but I've been thinking about having a small reef tank. I will be moving my puffers to full marine when they mature, so I figure having a little practice before then can only help.

My question is, what equipment would be necessary to make this happen? Would I need a sump? Do I need a canister or is my HOB alright?

 

[redsea]

For a 20 gallon, IMO a sump isn't necessary, and you can use your current HOB filter.

If you wanted to, you could also add a protein skimmer, but I think the rule is 30 gallons and up requires one.

If you have anymore questions please don't hesitate to ask!

 

[Alyxx]

Hah, great! Now I'm really tempted if I don't need all sorts of new equipment. Went to my LFS today and saw a few small salt tanks, so pretty. Besides, it would be easier to take brackish to marine than to wash the salt out of everything...
Any stocking ideas?

 

[redsea]

Hah, great! Now I'm really tempted if I don't need all sorts of new equipment. Went to my LFS today and saw a few small salt tanks, so pretty. Besides, it would be easier to take brackish to marine than to wash the salt out of everything...
Any stocking ideas?

I would look into Clownfish, Firefish, Gobies, some Cardinalfish, and Blennies.

 

[Endless Ocean in My House]

I'd suggest damselfish first... Then maybe blennies or angelfish.
A 20 gal tank is a little small for a saltwater tank, if you ask me though.

 

[Forester]

You could have a pair of firefish a goby and a small school of cardinalfish