I'm new to the saltwater hobby. Had freshwater for 7 years and now I decided to try salt water and I feel completely lost. I found a person on craigslist selling his 40 gal stretch hex tank with 2 fish. At the time I thought this was a good idea since it was all set up and all I had to do was transfer everything to my house and didn't have to wait to cycle a new tank. Now reading up on saltwater care I realized this guy had no idea how to take care of his fish. This is what it has: Cascade canister filter, aquapower 50 powerhead, crushed coral bed, air pump and bubble rod (do I need a bubbler??) and 2 fish (2 year old blue hippo 2 inches big and 9 month old sailfin 2 inches). I know these fish are too big for this tank.
Now after reading up on forums I want to add a protein skimmer and I need a RO/DI system. This guy told me he only used tap water for the last 2 years. Is this really bad for the fish I have now? I want to do the right thing for this tank and I'm bit overwhelmed. So far all the water results have been good but I know this tank is in need of some help. So my question is.... what needs to be done first. I'm thinking I should buy a RODI system and a skimmer right.
I also would like to add live rock and sand but how and when should I do that with fish in the tank?
Now after reading up on forums I want to add a protein skimmer and I need a RO/DI system. This guy told me he only used tap water for the last 2 years. Is this really bad for the fish I have now? I want to do the right thing for this tank and I'm bit overwhelmed. So far all the water results have been good but I know this tank is in need of some help. So my question is.... what needs to be done first. I'm thinking I should buy a RODI system and a skimmer right.
I also would like to add live rock and sand but how and when should I do that with fish in the tank?