changing to marine

[dun...@ptag2.pt.cyanamid.com]

I have a well-established aquarium, and have been successful in keeping and
breeding fish for a few years. (I have some fish that are 6 years old, so
I must be doing something right!)
I have always been interested in changing over to marine, but have been intimidated
by 1) the work involved, and 2) the expense!
I have a 30-gal tank that I like, (can't have any bigger, or it will take over
my house entirely!).
What are the biggest DON'TS about getting started with a marine aquarium?
I have been reading all of the FAQ's and have been getting everyone's opinion on
the best filters, etc, so I have an idea of what I will need: a filter,
(bio-wheel has been raved about, or a w/d canister), a powerhead, and a skimmer.
Do I need anything else? I have asked my regular fish-guy, and he would have
me spend about a million dollars on stuff if he had his way with my wallet.
Any suggestions/comments/enouragements/discouragements?
Thanks, you have all been a great help in the past!

Sue

[Frank Manno]

> What are the biggest DON'TS about getting started with a marine aquarium?
> I have been reading all of the FAQ's and have been getting everyone's opinion on
> the best filters, etc, so I have an idea of what I will need:

Whatever filter system you have for your Freshwater fish, will be perfect
for Marine fish.

I had the same problem as you when I did the switch to marine, and in the
end there was no big deal except all the hype about it being 'too hard'.
A Reef tank is what's 'Too hard'. Not a fish only tank.

As far as I'm concerned, Marine fish are just as easy to keep as Freshwater
fish, with the exception that there is one extra water parameter to worry
about and that's Salinity. The only other 'hassle' is the fact that it's
saltwater which means that you gotta mix the water and prepare it all before
doing water changes.

To convert your tank to a fish only marine tank, all you'd do is change your
substrate. Whatever substrate you have, get rid of it and use something like
coral sand or live sand. The reason for this is to help buffer the water.

So all you do is buy a new PH test kit, get a Specific Gravity (Salinity) test
kit. Get the new substrate, get a decent salt mix, add some hardy fish such
as Damsels to cycle your tank with and bingo, you have a marine tank.

To directly answer your question on 'What's the biggest no no'. I'd say it's
chosing the right marine fish. You don't want to put sensative/shy fish in
the tank. Some fish such as Tangs are more adapted to Reef tanks where they
have a lot of rock to nibble and hide in.

So staying away from 'Reef fish' is the idea. Damsels are fine, Angels are
great, so are Butterflies and Trigger fish.

If you've sucessfully kept freshwater fish for 6 years then you know MORE than
what you need to know already, about keeping Marine fish.

Good luck.

-Frankie