Interested in saltwater

[Marina Hyde]

I have a few planted freshwater tanks and I'm interested in doing a nano SW. I bought this tank on clearance.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12289097&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInU S%2FNo

Can I turn this into a SW tank? I'm not looking into starting to set the tank up for another month or so. Just doing research and learning all that I can. I know it's easier to go larger but I really prefer the look of smaller tanks (and I'm limited on space).

The kit comes with a HOB filter, can I modify it to use with SW? I'm def buying a copy of Saltwater Tanks for Dummies today. Also, are the LEDs that come with the tank kit okay to use on SW?


Thanks in advance,
Marina

[Roshan8768]

I have a few planted freshwater tanks and I'm interested in doing a nano SW. I bought this tank on clearance.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12289097&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInU S%2FNo

Can I turn this into a SW tank? I'm not looking into starting to set the tank up for another month or so. Just doing research and learning all that I can. I know it's easier to go larger but I really prefer the look of smaller tanks (and I'm limited on space).

The kit comes with a HOB filter, can I modify it to use with SW? I'm def buying a copy of Saltwater Tanks for Dummies today. Also, are the LEDs that come with the tank kit okay to use on SW?


Thanks in advance,
Marina

It's definitely not the most ideal tank for a saltwater nano. It can be done though, if you stay on top of the maintenance. You will probably want to mod the HOB filter to make it either a fuge or just run some chemical media and filter floss. The lights that come with the tank will probably not be enough for any corals. Can it be removed?

[Marina Hyde]

So I happened to see some of the reviews on the tank and decided to open mine up. It's super cheesy and has cheap LEDs attached to the lid which plug into the filter so you can't take off the top without disturbing the filter. I'll be taking it back.

I do have a 5g Hex, and glass 5g and 10g but I would have to buy some LEDs for whichever one I use. Should I just go with the 10g?

I don't plan on trying to add corals in the beginning. I read that a fish only tank is easier to start with than a reef tank.

[johnnymisty]

Why not try getting a 14 or 29 gallon biocube and if you want to do corals later you can get a media basket to put in the center chamber which can hold live rock rubble cheato and some filter floss or something like chemipure. And later on you can always get a better light like a kessil or a jbj led to swap out from the compact florescent

[Marina Hyde]

I was trying to work with what I have but I guess I could sell of some things and use that money towards a bigger tank. I was eyeing a 14g Biocube on craigslist but I wasn't sure if the price was a good deal plus I'm about to move so I wouldn't want a tank until after I get moved. I guess another will come along.

[johnnymisty]

You can always pick it up and hoard it away

[fishman979]

I was trying to work with what I have but I guess I could sell of some things and use that money towards a bigger tank. I was eyeing a 14g Biocube on craigslist but I wasn't sure if the price was a good deal plus I'm about to move so I wouldn't want a tank until after I get moved. I guess another will come along.

I do have a aquapod 24 gallon im breaking down. Has blue led bar and compact fluorescent stock lights, return pump and fuge light. Ill let it go for $125 if interested. Great little tank and my first salt tank. Perfect shape. Ill even throw in the live rock and sand for free.

[Stickboy97]

In SW the bigger the better for maint & water quality control. Nano tanks are harder & need to me monitored more closely. That is if you are going reef. If you are only going for Fish, it is easier.