How to turn your regular fish tank into a salt water fish tank?

Question

What should I do? What should I start off with? My dad says I should start off with cleaning it well or something how should I do this? Please tell me all I need to know.

Answer 1

You need a 30 gallon tank or bigger to make a good saltwater tank.

You just mainly need a good filter. I have a 30 gallon tank but use a filter that is for a 60- 75 gallon. It makes a good current in the tank.

The only other thing I use is marine salt. You will need a hydrometer to to check your salt level in the tank.

Make sure you buy some product that will help keep the corrosion down on your pump part and things that comes from the salt.

Here is you a link for everything you need to know.

http://www.fishlore.com/SaltwaterAquariu...

Answer 2

Well, you can't exactly turn a freshwater tank into a saltwater tank, if that's what you're asking. Depending on the size of the tank, take it to an empty sink or outside. Rinse it really well. If it hasn't been used for awhile, use water pressure on dirt, and use you're hand to scrub it off. Don't EVER use soap, detergents, or anything that doesn't specifically say it's for fish tank. They will leave traces afterwards, which will kill you're fish. Now, to setup a saltwater tank, you'll need:

-A tank (duh), at least 30 gallons for a beginner.

-Saltwater sand bought from a pet store. This put's good bacteria into you're water when you start your tank. Follow the directions on the bag before putting it in a tank.

-Proper lighting (nothing less than fluorescent.) And a hood to go with it.

-Live Fiji rock. This will probably be the most expensive part of the tank. It can cost around $5 a pound (and a pound doesn't go far at all). However, this mimics the natural saltwater environment of tropical areas, and will help develop your tank more. Once your tank is mature enough, you will start to see teeny-tiny starfish, and other near microscopic creatures-truly amazing.

-A proper filter, of course by the size of your tank. I recommend the Marineland brand, if it's available to you.

-A heater, again, specific to the size of your tank.

-If needed, a stand for your tank.

-A water testing kit. (Ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, pH). This will be needed constantly, so get the chemical and tube type, not the dip-strips.

-A salinity measurer (that's not the exact name of it, but can't think of it's proper term at the moment). This is also needed constantly to make sure the salinity of the tank is not too high or low. Get the Marineland brand, and don't try to cheap out- you will be sorry.

-A salt mix, and Aquasafe (that's a brand name--stick with it). This is only if you plan to use your tap water from the sink. Also, a brand-new bucket, nothing older than brand-new just bought.

-If your local pet store offers it, I highly recommend you use their reverse osmosis water instead. It's about 79 cents a gallon (at mine), but it's well worth it in the end. It eliminates all the crappy stuff that's in the water from your sink, resulting in a much healthier and usually more stable tank. You will need the AquaSafe, regardless though, in the case you need to add some freshwater to bring the salinity down, you can do it right from home.

-A protein skimmer, ask your pet store what this is.

Once your tank is set up (ask your local pet store for directions on this if it isn't self-explanatory enough for you), get a couple damselfishes from the store. NOT the black domino fish, they will end up being agressive bullies towards the other fish when they get older, and that's always a pain. Damsels actually help cycle the water when it's brand new. If the damsels die, remove them immediately. Wait a day before adding more (and only keep 1 for every 15 gallons of your tank). DO NOT feed the fish more than they can eat in a couple of minutes. Which usually isn't much. You're tank will now be going through a cycle for at least the next few months. During this time, you'll need to keep a constant eye on your water, and the fish's behavior. Testing the water's levels every other day, and doing weekly (appropriate to the tank size) water changes. During the next few months (at least), do not get ANY other fish (besides damsels). Not only will this likely kill it, but you will have killed another fish that had to be captured from the ocean, will cause more bad ammonia to pollute your tank, and depending on the fish, will have wasted a minimum of $20. Also NO anemones or starfish for beginners and even when it's cycled not unless you have a 50+ gallon tank. They require a ton more attention, care, effort, and of course money. Also stay away from sea apples, PERIOD! never get one, I learned my lesson. They can release a poisonous toxin into the tank that will guaranteed wipe out your tank and all teh fish in it, and then you have to start from block 1. I do warn you though, do not start a saltwater tank if you're not home atleast 8 hours (1/3) of mostly every day, with the exception of skipping a day or so of every week if needed. Also don't start one if your stingy or on a budget. They are addictive and money suckers, mostly at the beginning. (although they are very rewarding in the end.) You may want to discuss this a bit more with your pet or fish store for more details, but don't let them swindle you. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me, and also if you need help telling whether the fish store is telling you something false or not. I would also recommend you get the book "Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies." Great book. Well now that I've covered everything you need to know good luck in your aquatic adventures!