I want to start a small salt water aquarium for my daughter. I am new to the aquarium hobby as I have only had 1 small fresh water aquarium many many years ago. I basically want 2 Ocellaris Clown fish (Nemo) and some cleaner shrimp. I have heard that a FOWLR is much easier than a reef and cheaper as well. My question is what size tank should I start out with for these 2 fish? Should I get a Nano Cube or get a regular tank and the equipment myself? How much will getting a salt water setup for these 2 fish cost? I have been doing some research and I know there is a LOT involoved in getting a salt water tank set up and maintaining it, but I do want to start it up as a hobby along with giving my 2 year old daughter Nemo fish to look at.

Hello! I think I’m finally ready to start taking on the responsibility of a salt water tank. I’ve been keeping tropical fish for quite some time and I told myself, if that went well, I’d try salt water. So… I have a 29 gallon tank. I know this isn’t the best size and the bigger the better, but I want to try this.

So can someone walk me through the process? The WHOLE process please?? lol.

And then just a couple questions…

I’ve heard that I do need a protein skimmer and that I don’t need a protein skimmer… Do I? And what does it actually do? Salt water books don’t explain much, I’ve found.

Same questions for power heads. Do I need one and what does it do?

How long should my tank sit before I start adding fish?

What kind of fish would be pretty to look at and easy (as easy as they come)?

And… live rock? Reef tank? What does it all mean?!?!

Thanks guys. I really want to do my reseach before I start this.
Hi again! Just so I don’t get repeat answers, I do know what the nitrogen cycle is.

And by "sit," I mean how long should I let my tank run once I have it set up? I know about nitrate, nitrite and ammonia, but when I start a fresh water tank, my water is clean (no ammonia, etc…). Is it different with saltwater? I’m a little confused…

But thank you so much BIGgourami. I’ll probably take you up on the email suggestion!

I really just need to know about the things that make saltwater different from freshwater.

Hello Aqua experts.

I have a 10 gallon tank, i’m going to turn it into a salt water tank here is the setup im thinking of having.

10lbs of Fiji cured live rocks
20lbs of fine live sand from fiji.
30watts lighting that is recommended for salt water tanks.

So do i have enough lighting for 30 watts and how many fish could i keep in my tank. I want a clown fish for sure and maybe some other if possible.