What is the difference

[starbearninja]

Between freshwater and salt water filters? Was looking online for a tank kit for starting a small nano saltwater that is reasonably priced and the all say they work for fresh and salt, is that true? Or would it be more cost effective to use a 5gal tank I have and buy the right stuff to convert it to salt?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Nothing, no difference.
Some (true salt pumps) run ceramic impellar pump shafts, while fresh water runs metal shafts. But for the most part, thats about it.
Oh, also, you don't need a filter on a saltwater tank. Especially if your goin with a 5g tank. Usually tanks less than 30g don't even need to run Skimmers, as doing normal 10% water changes weekly keeps the water params inline.

 

[starbearninja]

Nothing, no difference.
Some (true salt pumps) run ceramic impellar pump shafts, while fresh water runs metal shafts. But for the most part, thats about it.
Oh, also, you don't need a filter on a saltwater tank. Especially if your goin with a 5g tank. Usually tanks less than 30g don't even need to run Skimmers, as doing normal 10% water changes weekly keeps the water params inline.

How do you keep water moving? Would a filter be able to replace whatever keeps water moving normally for a small tank. I don't entirely understand what is required...I want to start with a nano to see if I'm going to be able to keep up with/not kill everything in a salt tank

 

[Reefing Madness]

Nano power heads
https://www.google.com/search?q=nan...X&ved=0CE0QsARqFQoTCKm9r5yQi8kCFRjrYwodOLsLCQ

 

[ImACoolguy]

If you are new to salt tanks I wouldn't go any less than a 20g IMO. Shoot for the biggest tank you can so it will be more stable and more forgiving.

I started with a 10g and even being diligent with water changes I still had swings and wasn't entirely sure what I was doing. I eventually had enough and bumped it to a 20g where it is now much more stable and healthy.

If you are up for it id highly recommend a sump. It's much more efficient and clean than an HOB. I'm currently running an HOB(sump in the works) and it gets dirty very fast.

With salty, a lot of pre planning can save you a lot of hassle.


Caleb

 

[starbearninja]

So it would be more cost effective to buy the tank sump and light then to buy a tank kit?

Sent from my XT907 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[ImACoolguy]

So it would be more cost effective to buy the tank sump and light then to buy a tank kit?

Sent from my XT907 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

If you watch online like Craigslist people but up full setups much cheaper than an initial startup cost.

I got a 20g rimless, sump and plumbing, powerhead, skimmer, return pump, and more for $160.

Watch for those good deals and you can save yourself a lot of money.


Caleb