Converting my tank

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a 10 gallon tank that I am thinking about converting.  Right now I have it set up for FW, but I have always wanted to try my hand at a salt water setup.

I am planning on just some small damsels, clowns, and/or shrimp.  But I have also thought about putting in some coral frags to liven the tank up.  How much work goes into keeping corals, above and beyond the fish?  What other chemicals, accessories, etc. would I need?  Would I need to change the salinity or hardness or pH for them?

Any other advice on SW tanks would help, too.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Spencer,

keeping a small tank is a little more work then a larger tank.

Fish would be easier but corals are not impossible to keep either.

as for 'chemicals', I would say none are needed, especially when starting up and for at least a year.

If you were to do regular water changes, then you would probably not need to dose anything even after a year...

I believe the key will be constant fresh water top off to replenish the water that evaporates.  and weekly water changes of one gallon of salt water, and you should be good..


please keep me posted


bill



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

QUESTION: Okay thanks...

One more question.  My dad has a SW tank already going, and said he could give me enough to fill up my tank (ten gallons isn't even a water change for him!!!)  He said that if I took water from his tank that I would be able to skip the 30 day cycle.  Especially if I was using live sand, would this hold true?  At the very least, would I be able to add a fish or two just to help the cycles start?

Thanks

Answer
Hey Spencer

Yea, getting 'established water and sand and rocks will definately help, but you will be in for 'some' cycling, but probably nothing to worry about.

Test the water prior to adding the fish and see if the nitrites and ammonia is zero or really close then go ahead, add away.

good luck

bill