Thinking about converting freshwater to saltwater

[ollysaquariums]

Hey all,
I am contemplating converting my freshwater african cichlid aquarium to a saltwater one. I’m somewhat experienced in keeping fish and know quite a bit for the amount of time I have been fishkeeping, but freshwater seems a bit boring to me even though African Cichlids are beautiful. My questions are is saltwater easy or hard, what fish can I put in that are easy to care for in a 50ish gallon because I do want a pair of clownfish as well, and what are the absolute essentials I need? I have a canister filter but I’ve heard they suck for saltwater. I also have a wavemaker and basically every API product and a Fritz master test kit. My current freshwater is attached below, it has aragonite sand used for saltwater already.
Thanks for your time.

 

[kansas]

I'd love to have a slat water tank but I'm too lazy physically and mentally. Keep us posted on our project.

 

[A201]

You already have a good start. The limestone rocks & substrate you have will save quite a bit of money.

Canister filters are no better or worse than a HOB filter. Both types are fine. An overflow sump system would probably be the best.

A 50 gallon tank is plenty big enough for a couple of Clowns and an anemone. Maybe a small group of Damsel fish and a couple of Dwarf Angels. That's about all the stock you can keep. There can be no overcrowding in a marine tank.

Be prepared for expensive water changes. The salt mix and the ready mixed saltwater is pricey.

You'll need a separate quarantine tank. Medicating marine fish is nearly impossible.

Salt creep build up on the lid, top braces and side of the tank is unsightly and a constant chore to clean off. You'll also need a plastic rake type tool to rake the substrate.
Algae grows pretty quick on it.

Maintaining a marine tank will definitely make you a better fish keeper. Just like keeping Africans has already done for you.

I've successfully kept marine fish as well as African Cichlids. I found that African Cichlids were beautiful but an absolute pain to keep. The constant digging under the hardscape and fighting wore me thin after about five years.

I only maintained my saltwater setup for about three years. Marine fish are pricey and fragile as compared to freshwater fish. They totally depend on stable water parameters. If something gets out of whack disease and death are sure to come.

I gave up saltwater just as I was getting the hang it. Lol.
I like a crowded active community. That's not happening in a saltwater situation. I eventually donated my marine fish to the local zoo, and switched to maintaining something easy, Discus. Lol.

 

[ollysaquariums]

You already have a good start. The limestone rocks & substrate you have will save quite a bit of money.

Canister filters are no better or worse than a HOB filter. Both types are fine. An overflow sump system would probably be the best.

A 50 gallon tank is plenty big enough for a couple of Clowns and an anemone. Maybe a small group of Damsel fish and a couple of Dwarf Angels. That's about all the stock you can keep. There can be no overcrowding in a marine tank.

Be prepared for expensive water changes. The salt mix and the ready mixed saltwater is pricey.

You'll need a separate quarantine tank. Medicating marine fish is nearly impossible.

Salt creep build up on the lid, top braces and side of the tank is unsightly and a constant chore to clean off. You'll also need a plastic rake type tool to rake the substrate.
Algae grows pretty quick on it.

Maintaining a marine tank will definitely make you a better fish keeper. Just like keeping Africans has already done for you.

I've successfully kept marine fish as well as African Cichlids. I found that African Cichlids were beautiful but an absolute pain to keep. The constant digging under the hardscape and fighting wore me thin after about five years.

I only maintained my saltwater setup for about three years. Marine fish are pricey and fragile as compared to freshwater fish. They totally depend on stable water parameters. If something gets out of whack disease and death are sure to come.

I gave up saltwater just as I was getting the hang it. Lol.
I like a crowded active community. That's not happening in a saltwater situation. I eventually donated my marine fish to the local zoo, and switched to maintaining something easy, Discus. Lol.

Thanks so much for all that info! I was wanting to get captive bred fish just so they’re that little bit hardier. I also can’t do a sumo because I have no storage space for it under the tank. Is a protein skimmer necessary? I was also wanting a pair of clowns and maybe a goby or two. What other fish would you say?

 

[A201]

I never used a protein skimmer, but did run an inline UV sterilizer.

I never kept a Goby, but one or two could fit in your setup, depending on compatibility issues.

Although rather fragile. A smaller variety Butterfly Fish would work.
I liked keeping the Coral Beauty and Flame Dwarf Angels. They were quite hardy for saltwater species.

I also liked the Sargent Major Damsel fish. The Damsels are about the most durable marine fish.

 

[RayClem]

Before committing to a saltwater/marine aquarium, do your research and determine what type of aquarium you wish to have. Maintaining a Fowlr (fish only with live rock) is not too difficult. You will need some rocks that are more porous than your current limestone. Your limestone will make a good foundation. Live rock is the remnant from an old coral bed. You might be able to have some soft corals in that environment if you avoid fish such as Trigger fish who love to eat corals.

If you want to get into things like anemones, clams and hard corals, plan on spending a lot of time and a lot of money on the tank. These animals need intense lighting and pristine water quality, and high quality foods. If you have the resources for this type of tank, it can be a wonder to behold.

Prices for saltwater fish and corals range widely depending upon size and availability. You can purchase some common fish for as little as $15-20. Others might cost $100 and up. It can be quite traumatic when a fish you purchased for $100 only survives a few days; but it happens. Figure on spending an average of $50-60 per fish.

One thing that I loved about saltwater fish is that they seem to have a lot more personality than freshwater fish. Things like puffer fish, saltwater angelfish, Moray eels, tangs, and butterfly fish will interact with the keeper, especially at feeding time. If you do want to try your hand at an eel, I suggest the snowflake eel as it is one of the smaller species. However, even it can grow to 24" in size. Eels are escape artists. The tank needs to have a secure lid with no gaps. I once found my snowflake on the floor. Fortunately, they are tough and it weathered the event with no ill effects. If you do get an eel or other aggressive fish, never try to feed them by hand as you can lose part of a finger in the process. I used a pair of tongs.

 

[ollysaquariums]

thank you all! I will let you know if I go through with the decision