Setting up a small marine tank

[Sky Devil]

I'm interested in doing the above thing but i need to know what are the basic requirements to do that

[Sky Devil]

I'm interested in doing the above thing but i need to know what are the basic requirements to do that

[Sky Devil]

I'm interested in doing the above thing but i need to know what are the basic requirements to do that

[Sky Devil]

I'm interested in doing the above thing but i need to know what are the basic requirements to do that

[kelstorm]

how small is small? what is your budget? perhaps u can try reading up on the FAQ first.. there is a few topics that is similar situations... perhaps u might get a better idea.. and feel free to clarify anything that u not too sure.. and also, what type of system are u looking at...Fish only, reef or mix, the type of filtration etc...

[Sky Devil]

Small..... 2ft?
Just a few fish......

[greenhorn]

----------------
On 11/5/2002 4:42:16 PM

Small..... 2ft?
Just a few fish......
----------------

Equipment for 2 feet marine tank
=================================
1. 1 x 2 feet tank [thick glass will be prefered as it needs to take greater pressure than fresh water.] (~$50)

2. 1 x ORCA protein skimmer (~$40) and airpump [b'cos the ORCA protein skimmer needs an airpump to operate it] or ..if you have extra cash...RedSea Prizm protein skimmer (~19

3. hydrometer [to measure the salinity by using the specific gravity]
($3-$16)

4. 1 pack of artificial salt[Any brand..Ocean free..etc] (~1

5. 1 x clamp AC fan [to lower the temperature by 2 degrees for S'pore weather to compensate for lack of chiller] (~30)

6. Coral sand (~20)

7. Test Kits [I did not use them actually] (unknown)

8. powerhead [to simulate wave] (optional)

9. filter

10. Lightings; arcadia marine blue actinic, The marine white 9500K or 10000K

11. Live rock and hardy fish like damsel [for cycling] (live rocks go by kilo and it is not cheap.)

PS: The prices stated might not be accurate...just a rough gauge. I know that you are a planted tank fellow so the cycling, test kits (Ammonia, nitrate and nitrite) and filter( remember you need activated carbon to remove phosphorus unlike planted tank), I shall not elaborate the rest which I believe you alredy know from your planted tank experience.

You can get most of the stuffs at

Pac Marine

aquaria-Plot 32, No 1, Lorong Halus (Pasir Ris Dr 12)
Loyang Agrotech Park
Tel : 6386 0060


Wishing you success in your coming marine project.
[]

[kelstorm]

it really depends, u have to consider what type of filters u want to use.. the type of fishes u wanna keep, the corals u want, the lights and the amt of live rocks u want to get.. i would say, a basic marine tank for 2ft can set u back a few hundred dollars.... mostly above $500 if u do it properly.. if u go for real budget, u gonna get peanuts and then u will find that you think marine keeping is difficult.. which is not really so..

why not, i suggest u get a book from Borders first.. title: my first marine aquarium.. by Barons publishers.. it is only gonna set u back by abt $>$30 but it provide u with tons of information... basic info that u need to set up your system.. while i would like to help u, it is still too broad for me to know your requirements... perhaps if u can be more specific, i would be able to help u more...

for eg, does a anemone needs a clownfish to survive? can i put my 3" clownfish into my lionfish tank? etc...

in this case, i know what u need to find out.. so that it is easier for me. anyway, IMO, i would not recommend anything smaller than 3x2x2 coz it is more labour intensive and it is less tolerant to water parameters changes and tends to be rather violatile...

[Sky Devil]

I'm short of hydrometer now. Where can i find the cheapest?

[kelstorm]

petmart.. u can either go for those floating types that cost ard $3-5 or those gauge type.. those are ard $15-18