fresh or salt water?

Question
QUESTION: Okay, long story short.  I bought a 55 gallon tank and put it in layaway. Ever
since I have been picking up fish tanks along the way and experimenting.  We
have 3 betas in 3 different fish tanks ranging from 5 to 10 gallon tanks. I
must add that my 3 children are the reason we have three separate betas and
cheap tanks at garage sales have been the reason betas are living in 10
gallons.  We've been fortunate to pick up tanks at garage sales etc and I don't
pass up a deal when I can buy a $5 tank to get accessories.  Anyway, we have
a 10 gallon with gold fish which is doing well.  We have two 20 gallon tanks
that we are trying to get tropical fish tanks going. One has never had fish
because it is too new and we haven't got the water right yet to add fish. The
other was a learning project and is currently empty minus a few live plants
because of bad advice from a pet store and our learning curve. I've recently
changed stores.  I think fish will be okay to be purchased tomorrow for both
tanks unless I try to cycle the new tank without fish.   We are obviously going
to figure out how to get tropical fish in these tanks successfully before I get
my 55 gallon out of layaway.  But what I have learned is that our ph and
alkalinity is extremely high in our tap water causing some of the issues.  I
tested the tap water and fish tank water and it was identical even in the one
that has been around longer. Our pool and hot tub has ph that is high too.  I
don't think I am going to fight this but find tropicals that will do well in these
tanks.  Anyway.... the question that comes up is should I just go ahead and
make my 55 gallon a saltwater tank since the salt water fish according to my
new information do better with ph and alkalinity on the high degree.  I would
like to learn saltwater but have heard it is tough.  It would be cool to have a
tanks of variety but I have no clue what I am getting myself into.  I am
attracted to salt water tanks though.  I don't think I have enough experience
with tropical yet but feel I am close. What do ya think?

ANSWER: You could do salt water. The salt has natural buffers that buffer your pH from anywhere between 8.1 and 8.4.

I suggest you do not add corals. Most are difficult, and for lighting on a 55 for corals, you would have to spen about 500 dollars.

You would need 75-125 lbs of live rock, which is abobut 5.50 a lbs when you buy it in bulk.

you WILL need to do fishless cycling.

Let me know if you have any questions. Im always happy to convert someone to the wonderful world of marine aquariums.

Thanks,
   ~Matt

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information.  About the live rock... is that cost a one time thing
or can you easily kill it being a newbie.  Besides the tank and filtration system,
are there other costly expenses?  Where do you buy the live rock?  Pam

Answer
You are very welcom, thats what im here for.

Live rock is not really hard to kill. The rock itself isnt alive, but rather, the bacteria, small invertabrates that hitchhike on the rock, the small natural corals, and the coraline algae that make it alive. It acts as a natural filter to your tank.

You can get live rock at pretty much any fish store that carries saltwater. You wont find any at petco, petsmart, super pet, or any other large chain stores though.

Other expenses.....Hmmmmmm Filter, and maybe a protein skimmer.


When it comes time to stock your tank, shoot me another question, and i will help you out with a bit of stocking options.