BuAbade

Hello all I am very green at this to any help is kindly appreciated.

Had by chance found a Aquarium Store, which is not very common in my part of the world, they had a really brilliant marine tank so I thought I would try to emulate theirs. The sales lady convinced me it would be really easy to do. So, I bought the second largest tank in the store :$ So I have a 1.5m (I think approx 400L ) aquarium that has the filter and case and lights for about only 350USD. She said the only extra equipment I need is the protein skimmer and the UV sertilizer, I am assuming that the heater is built in and I didn't ask.

The tank get delivered next week, I have been reading on the topic the last two days and this is what I have decided. It will be a FOWLR system, they sell live rock at the store. I will have 2 Clowns, 1 yellow tang and 5 or 6 Yellow tail damsels (basically identical to the display ) they already sell these at the store and i have reserved the damsels already, prematurely I now know but were too cheap about 3USD each (I will have to back to make sure they dont deliver them with the tank).


Do I need to set up a sump?, Do I need a RO system? Would like a dark substrate, any recommended? I want to place the tank on an upperlevel my home is made of concrete and stone is that ok? How long does it take to cycle? I am really unsure if the equipment neccessary is available to me as most things on the net are US based or UK.

Any direction is appreciated before I head back to the store.

Thank you kindly.

aquarist48

HelloBuabade and Welcome to Fish Lore.

These linksl should help to get you started. I don't have personal experience with salt tanks but I'm sure you'll get responses soon from some of our salt members:
Top 10 for Newbies

I do know that it's crucial that you read and understand the nitrogen cycle, link below:
The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

Best of luck. I hope you enjoy the site.
Ken

David C

Most tanks dont have built in heaters, so definitely find out for sure if you have one. Even in your climate, it can get cold at night and a constant temperature is crucial. UV sterilizers aren't really necessary, but some people do swear by them. RO water is considered a necessity even from the very beginning. Without it, you will end up fighting terrible algae, plus you would be surprised at the things found in drinking water that aren't good for aquariums. If your house is made of stone and concrete and it's built anything to an American equivalent for a structure, then it can easily handle the weight on the second floor. I have no idea what your building codes are though so I make no guarantees on that.

The main thing to remember is nothing good happens fast in a salt water tank. Take your time and add fish very slowly. quarantine all new fish to prevent disease from infesting your display tank. There are plenty of articles and helpful people on this forum to point you in the right direction. Welcome to FL and good luck!

Dave