Hey guys. I've had a freshwater tank for a while now, and have found that I want something a little more challenging and more pretty than that. so Ive been thinking about converting it into a saltwater tank. I am thinking that I want a fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setup. For now
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EQUIPMENT
What kind of lighting should I get? I am trying to chose between Normal Output Fluorescent lighting, Very High Output Fluorescent lighting, and Power Compact Fluorescent lights. I am more leaning towards the PC/VHO lighting instead of the NO lighting.
It's all a matter of what you prefer viewing your fish in for a FOWLR. If you plan on reefing later, you may want to look at the T5 option.
Do I really need a Powerhead? I read that I am supposed to turn the tank water over 15-20 times, but is it really neseccary, because I dont really like equipment sitting in the tank, taking up space?
Yes, IMO flow is your friend.
What kind of salt do I need: Marine or Reef? What are the differences of the two? I have been looking at Seachems line of salt products, should i buy some Seachem salt?
Marine (cheapest IMO) for FOWLR. If you turn it into a reef and choose to keep corals, the trace elements in the salts may become a consideration.
What kind of live substrate should I use? I dont really want to use crushed coral because its messy, I would prefer sand. What is Argonite sand? would you recommend it? how deep should the sand be, 1 inch?
Aragonite sand is better than CC. 1 inch is very shallow, but would work for a fish only setup.
What kinds of test kits should I get? Is there an API master test kit for saltwater? What should i be testing for? What should the levels be at?
Yes there is. It will test Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH. What should they be at? Read the stickies. (0,0,<20,8.0 - 8.6) roughly... You also need a good source of water (RODI) and a refractometer (or hydrometer if you must) to test salinity.
Should I get a sump or a canister filter? Which one is better? I was watching a video about how to make a diy sump, and I kinda like it, because I am all for using less money. I know that some of you are going to say: "because of your tank size, you should get a HOB filter". I just dont really like the visibility factor. its just sitting there, and you cant really hide it at all.
I personally would not start off with such an instable size of tank. Too much can go wrong too quickly in a 15. So yes, a sump for added volume would be good IMO.
what is a protien skimmer? what does it do? would it be neseccary?Arent there two kinds, like HOB and in-sump?
It removes organic compunds from the water. Again, you really need to read the stickies, articles, and basics of SW tank keeping.
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FISH
What kinds of fish should I get? It would be nice if I could get some yellow or blue fish.
They cant grow very big (obviously).
In that sized tank, you are looking at one or two fish if stocked properly.
thx for the help.