Redtail_Shark14

Hello everyone im going to start a saltwater tank but i was wondering if there is stuff i need to know first i know that its not easy but i can do it. i just need some tips u know on stuff that people miss when they start i hopefully will get it set up tomrrow oh and dont worry i know alot of fish but all u Saltwater tank owners out there please give me some tips i could really use them. I have a 10G already i just need the salt, sand and fish. i also was wondering how long should i let the tank cycle. please if you could drop of some comments id be hppy to read them. THX and Rock on fish Lovers

Tumbleweed

The biggest miscnception about salt water tanks is that they are difficult. There is not that much of a difference between fresh water and saltwater. For a 10gal tank some sand and say about 10lbs of Live rock will be sufficeint. Since there are no fish in the tank you can mix the salt directly in the tank. Try and aim for around 1.023-1.025. This is a good range for a fish only tank. With the Live Rock it should not take too long for the tank to cycle. Just moniter it. The cycle will happen the same as it would in a fresh water tank. Before you put any fish in your tank, you need to plan out what you want overall in your tank. Make sure they are compatible and that the tank is large enoghtl.
Good luck.
And the last and biggest piece of advise that I can give you is just be paitient. The slower you go the better off you will be.

Redtail_Shark14

Thx but im geting a Percula Clown and a blue damsel to start off with. what do you think the lvls should B

Martinismommy

I would not put a perc with a blue damsel......Damsel fish are very fast moving and aggressive....You'll be better off if you can find a mated pair of clown fish......

Good luck!

Tumbleweed

The damsel and clown fish would not be a good mix in that small of a tank. They are both part of the damsel family, but the blue damsel is far more agressive. The blue damsel is considered the devil of the tank.
A pair of percula clowns is a good choice.

Redtail_Shark14

well i understand but its a gift from my uncle (u see i have a problem now he told me to come pick them up once my tank is ready) but both my friends have a damsel in their tank and there doing fine. maybe it depends on the fish itself weird but what Lvls should i have it for 2 clowns? please help!

Tumbleweed

You can try it just keep an eye on them. It will most likely not work.
For water reading levels you would like them to be at.
79-81F
1.023-1.026 specific gravity
Ph 8.2-8.4
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 0-5ppm

Redtail_Shark14

Thx alot for everyones help and if anyone else out there wants to comment feel free to do so.