Starting a saltwater tank HELP ?

[Flyboyrav]

Hi, I'm starting a saltwater tank I have a 37gal tank. Top Fin Power Filter 40 with Cartridge
30" Fluorescent Light with Bulb
Glass Canopy
Adjustable 200 Watt Heater
Strip Thermometer

How do I get started? What else do I need? I'm new to saltwater, but I've been doing freshwater for the past 15 years. Time for a change.

 

[Bectan01]

I would ditch the filter and get yourself a couple of power heads and a decent protein skimmer. A refractometer is more accurate for testing salinity as well as a test kit for salt water. Then there is sand and rocks. Do plenty of research, that's the best advice! I bought a book, there is plenty out there. A good reference book for how to set up and maintain a saltwater tank will be invaluable. It's very different to freshwater. I believe more time consuming and expensive so so rewarding! What sort of set up were you thinking? Fish only? Or full reef?

 

[Convict2161]

IMO in a 37 gallon tank after live rock, sand your water displacement will be more so your true in tank water won't be a true 37 gallon. If your religious with your weekly water changes you don't really need a skimmer. (Again this is my opinion)

You can use the filter BUT I suggest a AC70 or even the AC110. 2 power heads or if money isn't an issue a Vortech MP10.

I agree the refractometer is a must. It's more accurate. Your going to want a saltwater test kit also.

Your going to want to upgrade your lighting also. t5 HO's or LED's

What are your plans for the tank?


http://www.thereeftank.com/blog/setting-up-your-saltwater-aquarium/

http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterAquariumSetup.htm

 

[kwandrsn]

I agree with convict. I don't use a skimmer on my 36 gallon. Just 2 powerheads and a hob filter rated at 225gph and weekly water changes

Also a refractometer is a must. I bought a instant ocean hydrometer and it was incorrect bought a refractometer off Ebay for about $23 and it works great and a lot more accurate

Also are you planning on fish only (FOWLR) or a reef tank? If fish only lighting isn't as much an issue

 

[Flyboyrav]

Sounds good. I was thinking of a few corals, live rock as well. I want something quiet cause I live in a condo. Are the protein skimmers quiet?

 

[kwandrsn]

Sounds good. I was thinking of a few corals, live rock as well. I want something quiet cause I live in a condo. Are the protein skimmers quiet?

If you are wanting coral then you will have to upgrade the lighting. As for the skimmer I don't know. I have a, used one that was extremely loud because the pump wasn't the original pump so I didn't use it. I don't think they are usually too loud though

 

[Flyboyrav]

Does anybody know of any quiet protein skimmers??

 

[Sniperhank]

My reef octopus skimmer is silent.