New Aqueon Evolve Tank Help

[Qs Evolution]

I'm wanting to start a nano saltwater tank, i know the bigger the tank the better and easier it'll be to maintain.

But I have a aqueon evolve tank that is currently not being used at this moment.

So I'd like to start it and get familiar with saltwater,

What will I need to keep some soft corals and some clownfish. I just want something simple.

Light fixture? whats recomended for this tank?

Live rock? Live Sand.

I will start doing my research soon but i want to get an idea of what yall people think!!

thanks!!!

[Qs Evolution]

I would do a bigger tank but I have no room at all im just replacing the planted tank and making it a saltwater

[jeb102385]

Talk to darbex... he had an evolve 8 set up as a reef tank

[Darbex]

The stock lights aren't good enough to keep anything. I had a led fixture made for it. I think coralife makes a fixture small enough.

[Qs Evolution]

I know finnex has some too, did you do any upgrades for the filter compartment? Do you still have yours?

[Darbex]

No. I still have it but not as SW.

[Qs Evolution]

Did you have live sand and rock?

[mistahoo]

Live rock, dead rock, either one will work. That will mainly be your filtration. If your tank is 5g, you want about 5-10lbs of rock. Live sand isn't a must. I'm using aragonite in my tank.

[Qs Evolution]

do corals grow on dead rock? or only live?

[jeb102385]

Live rock and dead rock are the same thing. Its like bacteria buildup in the Rock bed of a freshwater tank. Dead rock is live rock that needs to be cycled

[Qs Evolution]

Oh okay, so I'm assuming dead rock is cheaper?

Is there a certain amount of time bacteria needs to build up before inserting corals?

[mistahoo]

Oh okay, so I'm assuming dead rock is cheaper?

Is there a certain amount of time bacteria needs to build up before inserting corals?

Your assumption is correct. It is cheaper. Benefits of live rock is an instant cycle and little creatures that help clean up your tank. Time needed is the same as freshwater. You want it to cycle just as freshwater, so whenever your parameters are in check, you're good to go.

[Qs Evolution]

Is the price a huge difference?

And is it worth getting live rock....

water changes and tank top offs how does that go about ?

[mistahoo]

I would say the price difference is quite considerable. Live rock goes for about $3-5 a pound. Some places even charge $5+. Dry/dead rock can be anywhere from $0.25-2. Water changes with either pre-mixed saltwater or you mix it yourself. If you plan to mix your own water, get yourself a refractometer, you'll thank me later. It's much more accurate than a hydrometer. Top off can either be RO/DI water or Distilled.

[Qs Evolution]

City pets? (;