Going from freshwater to salt

[Guppy]

I have a 75gal tank that is freshwater and I'd like to convert it to saltwater. I've heard that it's a demanding job keeping a saltwater tank clean and the fish happy - daily cleaning, the salt cakes on everything, etc., but I'm skeptical...it can't be THAT bad, can it?

 

[austinsdad]

Read Robert Fenner's "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" before you make another move!

IMO, you'd do well to read a bit and buy the right things. You'll enjoy it more doing the right (or righter ) things.

Good luck and welcome to AA!!

 

[stusclan]

I just converted my 55 to sw. I actually think it is easier because it is so much more interesting - especially if you are going with live rock. Every day there is something new to look at. I love to do the cleaning, and after 4 months, I still don't see any salt creep. I'm either doing things right, or extremely wrong. Make sure you ask lots of questions here - I bought almost $500 of things I don't need and will never use. (found these guys after initial set up ) Find a LFS you trust, and stick with them. That $500 would have been a wonderful sum to add to my new lights.

 

[malkore]

Its not THAT difficult. It is more maintenance, mainly in water chemistry, than a non-planted freshwater tank, but if you set up the tank right, have a good skimmer, and don't over stock, teh tank almost runs itself (which is true of any 'proper' aquarium really).
Reef tanks are a bit more maintenance as you have to maintain alk and calcium levels, but that's something you can move up to after a few months of fish only or FOWLR setup. This also makes the transition to salt cheaper, since you won't have to spend $300+ on lighting right away.