Aquariums - Fish tanks

nitin_s1 · Post by **nitin_s1** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 10:47 pm

I used to own a 100L Tropical fish tank many years ago even before my Prelude days.

Had it for around 3-4 years and loved it. Here's a pic of it (sorry it's a crap image as I didn't know how to use a camera back then)

Had it for around 3-4 years with lots of different fishes but the one that survived the longest was a Pleco..

(That was my first ever DSLR pic ^^)

The only problem was that as I used to live in a flat I always used to be scared of doing a water changes, just incase I flooded the downstairs people.

But now we have a huge house with a nice empty spot (away from direct sunlight) in our living room where I want to get another one.

This time I want a salt water tank. I love the different and colourful varieties of fishes available for the saltwater. I know it will be more difficult to own a salt water then a tropical one but it shouldn't be that hard.

I am hoping for a small tank like this..

with few clown fishes and some invertebrates like shrimps and crabs.

Anyone got a small salt water tank or a mini marine one?? Any experiences?

GOONIESnvrSAYdie · Post by **GOONIESnvrSAYdie** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:11 pm

That salt tank looks amazing. But a lot smaller than your old one lol.

nitin_s1 · Post by **nitin_s1** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:14 pm

Yes I want it small, less hassle and less maintainence, small filter needed etc etc..

bennyboy · Post by **bennyboy** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:18 pm

Salt water is a lot more hassle than fresh water (trops) Nitin.
I've had my large tropical tank for about 15 years and the maintenance is fairly minimal really.
Salt water looks ace, but does need a fair amount more work.
Just FYI.

GOONIESnvrSAYdie · Post by **GOONIESnvrSAYdie** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:20 pm

How much is that tank you posted? Looks fancy.

nitin_s1 · Post by **nitin_s1** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:05 am

Ben, I know it will require more work on the salt water tanks compared to a tropical (freshwater) but I want to take the challenge.. I owned a tropical fish tank before so don't want it again and want something different.. Have you got any pictures of your tank?

Gareth, that tank was just random off google

the price will vary depending on what filter it has, what other equipment it has, stuff inside etc etc.. I had a 100l tank before that came with everything that I need to get it started which was £149.99 (not including water, gravel, rocks, plants and fish)..

Post by **Asacei** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 9:13 am

Had quite a few tanks in the past, coldwater, tropical and marine.

Marine is a big leap up from anything else, definately do some reading up - the fish etc are very sensitive to salt content, amonia, nitrate, nitrite levels etc and if you want something with living coral etc like in the picture you posted lighting plays a huge part too.

Plus....the smaller the tank, the smaller the volume of water and the harder it becomes to keep salt, amonia, nitrate, nitrate levels in check

They look awesome....but take a fair bit of work

andypont · Post by **andypont** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 1:18 pm

nitin_s1 wrote:Yes I want it small, less hassle and less maintainence, small filter needed etc etc..

As already said Nitin. Your logic isn't quite right there mate. Smaller equipment but more maintenance. Much easier to get a balanced tank if its got a larger volume. Any fluctuations are slower so more manageable.

nitin_s1 · Post by **nitin_s1** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:56 pm

Oh ok thanks for the advice guys..

I see what you mean about having a small tank can mean more work required to keep it running.

I'm just doing the research on my time off and if a right tank comes up for sale at the right time I'll snap it up.

Just couple of questions..

Do the marine tank have the same filter system as the Fresh water setups? Or does it need some more or extra substrates ? What is a skimmer and do I need that as well?

I just missed out on a very nice 75L tank (which I think it's just about right - not small or not too big) which included all the equipment for only £60

Post by **Asacei** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 5:18 pm

Loads of different type/designs of filters available - filtering needs on a marine tank are generally higher, but not always massively - at the end of the day its the job of the filter to breakdown/absorb (depending on type of filter material) just because its a marine tank doesnt mean you have more waste to deal with its more about the need to deal with the waste as quickly as possible due to the higher sensitivity of marine livestock.

I never used a skimmer but belive they have come along a bit and dropped in price. If I remember correctly essentially a skimmer aims to remove (skim) organic matter/protien before it breaks down into the harmfull amonia, nitrite, nitrate

hope that helps