G
Guest
OK here are my questions. I want to get a large 65 gal tank. However, before I spend all that money on everything I was wondering.... :?
I already have a 2.5 tank with a pump. I currently have saltwater in it with 2 hermit crabs that I found in Galveston. The thing is that the LFS never told me about checking the water chemicals, changing the water or any of that. I have learned about this stuff from forums and library books.
My question is would it be a good idea to set up a mini tank to practice on? I know it will be more work (so I have heard), but I figure if I could do a little tank then surely the larger tank would seem easier.
What all would I need to start? I have some natural coral sand substrate in the tank with some extra hermit shells and the 2 hermits of course. I also have a small sw safe decoration in there. The pump is just a pump for a 1-3 gal 1.2watt pump.
What do ya think? What else would I need to do this besides a test kit of course? How much LR would I put in it? Could I put a small fish or shrimp and snails in it?
I already have a 2.5 tank with a pump. I currently have saltwater in it with 2 hermit crabs that I found in Galveston. The thing is that the LFS never told me about checking the water chemicals, changing the water or any of that. I have learned about this stuff from forums and library books.
My question is would it be a good idea to set up a mini tank to practice on? I know it will be more work (so I have heard), but I figure if I could do a little tank then surely the larger tank would seem easier.
What all would I need to start? I have some natural coral sand substrate in the tank with some extra hermit shells and the 2 hermits of course. I also have a small sw safe decoration in there. The pump is just a pump for a 1-3 gal 1.2watt pump.
What do ya think? What else would I need to do this besides a test kit of course? How much LR would I put in it? Could I put a small fish or shrimp and snails in it?
With a larger volume of water (65 vs 2.5) you will have more room for error on water parameters. Also keep in mind costs for live rock, sand, salt each month, livestock, corals, etc and water (not sure if you are filtering your own or purchasing already filtered). Like everything else in this hobby, there are pro's and con's to EVERYTHING, in this case though larger versus smaller. I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I have a 3-4 month old 2.5 and am looking to set-up a larger tank in the near future. I would definately encourage starting out with the 2.5 and then upgrading down the road (this way you don't spend lots of money entering into a hobby by setting up the 65 and then find yourself frustrated when things do not go well). Keep in mind that you will have to pay close attention to the tanks needs and water quality. This is just my opinion, but i would say ditch the decoration, release the Galveston hermits you have and begin a cycle with some sand and live rock (you may even find some live sand donors here to help boost your sand along!). As for circulation/filtration goes, it all depends on how fancy you want to get. As for me, i currently have an AC mini hob filter that i converted into a fuge and that's all. I am fighting some red slime algae at the moment though and am thinking about trying to incorporate some kind of skimmer. Also when starting up your tank figure out ahead of time what you want to keep. That will help with planning costs, lighting, etc.