Fluval Edge and beginner saltwater setup

Question
QUESTION: Ok, soooooo, i want to start my first saltwater for aesthetic reasons in my new apartment. I would like to use the Fluval Edge and i know that several people have done this.
First, i know i need to learn more about saltwater stuff and i wanted to learn a bit more. I'm fine with freshwater and have oodles of 10 gal/20 gal/ 50 gal/ and 55gal tanks around, but they just don't look right and are a bit too big for my new apartment with all the other animals i have.
Can you give a description of what i would need to do a Fluval Edge change to SW; basically a walk-through of how i should prep my tank and what equip i should use?
I'm not going too crazy with this and will be doing it slowly over a few weeks and maybe even into a month or two before i even start this tank.
Thanks!


Fluval Edge 6 Gallon A   ANSWER: Hi Jonathan,

With some patience in setting it up and getting the water acclimated you should have one nice little show tank. I love the modern contemporary compact look and style of the Fluval Edge Aquarium.

Regarding setting this aquarium up as a saltwater aquarium. You would set it up as you would set up any saltwater aquarium, however the lighting that comes with it, which is "2 x 10 Watt low voltage Halogen lights" will not be sufficient enough for a saltwater reef aquarium. However being only a saltwater fish tank aquarium should be fine.

The filtration that comes with it should be adequate enough to house a few fish, however don't overstock it. I would also recommend adding live rock, this will help out tremendously with naturally filtering the water, and it will also allow a lot more bio-diversity in your aquarium regarding micro-organisms which will also help keep your water parameters stable.

So to start: Add your crushed coral/live sand or other aquarium substrate, then add your pre-mixed de-chlorinated reverse osmosis saltwater, plug in the filter to get the water moving, add in your heater (if needed), add some starter bacteria of your choice and then let in run for a week or so. Following go to your local fish store and get some pre-cured live rock and then add it. Let the aquarium run for another week or so until the water has completely cleared, has no odor, and all the water parameters are stable.

Make sure to read up and research the types of fish you want. Since this aquarium is small it will limit what you will be able to keep. However you can still keep a few fish, and there is an array of beautiful saltwater fish that would be okay for such a small aquarium, like gobies.

At this time you should be able to get your first fish, but start with one first and take it slow, monitor the fish daily and feed (don't overfeed), and then once you feel more confident, and starting to get the hang of things, you can then get another fish.

With time keep your calcium levels stable, this will allow a plush growth of beautiful purple coralline algae to grow on your live rock creating an even more beautiful saltwater aquarium.

For more information on setting up your aquarium and acclimating your fish, see our sites educational area it's chock-full of information.
http://www.ocreef.com/a_simple_guide_for_beginning_a_saltwater_aquarium

Best Regards and good luck with your new set-up. Check back with me in a few weeks and let me know how it's doing.

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

OCReef.com - Director

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

QUESTION: Thank you, very informative!
As a novice to the saltwater world, where is there a respectable and adequate place to get bacteria to add to the tank.
Also, would precuring the rocks myself be advisable in a separate tank?

Answer
Hi Jonathan,

Your welcome.

You may have to purchase a good starter bacteria from an online store, because it probably would be a lot harder to find in your local fish store.

See our web store, the TLC brand is a good one.

http://www.ocreef.com/starter_cycle_bacteria

Regarding pre-curing your own uncured live rock separately, this is fine also. Uncured live rock generally costs less; therefore you will need to cure it yourself before adding it to your show tank. The alternative would be to buy pre-cured live rock which generally cost a few dollars more per pound.

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

http://www.ocreef.com - Director