First Post and need advice

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Hello all,

I am a new to this website and aquariums in general. So I'm still trying to figure out all the lingo and what not. I currently have a 20 gallon high fresh water tank, but want to convert it to a reef tank. I'd like someone with experience to let me know what kind of lights I should get. I plan on putting in soft corrals and maybe a couple of fish. Should I get live sand or live rock, you know, stuff of that nature.

I'm open to all suggestions and hope to have a tank up and going by Christmas.

Thanks to all who could help.
 
Welcome to the forum and good luck with your venture!

The first question is to whether the tank can be used or not, have you used any chemicals in it for your fresh water fish? Especially have you used any copper?

As for lighting, with softies you can use a variety of lighting but i would recommend a simple T5 unit. You do not necesarily need a HO or overdriven unti, a basic 2 bulb T5 job would be ok.

You will definately want live rock and sand, i wouldnt buy live sand, just regular marine aqaurium sand and then ask here for a cup of live stuff. Live rock will play a big part in filtration.

What else do you plan to do for filtration? A hang on back skimmer would probably help, i have Aqua C Remora's that work nicely. Also, a hang on carbon filter would be nice to have especially with softies, i use a HOT filter on my quarantene with black diamond carbon you can get anywhere.
 
Thanks for the reply.
Again, I'm very novice when it comes to aquariums. My fresh water aquarium has been up for about 4 months now. As far as chemicals, I just use some stuff that came in a set. I believe it's Jungle brand. Its some start right liquid and some biological balance liquid that I use when I water change. I do not know if copper has been used, I dont think so. The only thing I have for filtration is a Penguin brand Biowheel. Are you suggesting I get a protein skimmer? Once I get the tank going, how long before I can put in live rock. Is there some kind of wait time before I can start adding? How long before I can add fish?
 
Live rock is added day 1 as it needs to be part of the cycle. how long before you can add fish varies but it normally ranges between 4 and 6 weeks. Some get it done faster, some slower. Once youo set up the tank, with all the equipment and rock/sand, add a shrimp for a couple days to start cycling. What you need is to get water tests kits so you can keep an eye on amonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Read up on the nitrogen cycle to learn more on it. once amonia and nitrite are gone, and nitrate is low and stable, then you can add fish successfully. Rushing this stage can cause headache and cost you money and lifestock.
 
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Thank You
 
Wes is right - and he should know about starting up tanks :D

Do a lot of reading. I would strongly suggest going through the New to the Hobby area and read everything even if it dosen't sound interesting. The big picture will start to come into focus at some point. I'd also sign on to reefcentral.com and read all of the Newbie Corner, reefkeeping 101 feedback you can. Look for posts by a guy called WaterKeeper. It's really good stuff and gave me a big jumpstart on this affliction.

Ask as many questions as you can - there are great people here ready to jump in.
 
Hey! welcome to the forum!
I would suggest finding somebody that already has a mature tank and asking them if you can look at their tank. It's one thing to read about reef aquariums and skimmers etc. but it's another thing to actually see an actual set-up. I see that your not too far from me, I would love to give you a tour of my tank. Just lmk I will help you out any way I can. I could even give you some live rock to help your system cycle.
Any ways it's cold in the D and its screwing up my beats.
I'm out!!!
 
Thank you imdumb.

you don't sound too dumb though.

I know about it being cold in the D, but I thought it was more of how the f*** do we post to keep peace?
 
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