Pros and Cons?

[TheBookWorm]

So, for my birthday, my parents got me a 65 gallon aquarium. Only here's the problem; I don't know what to put in it. I have a 20 long (24" long) with 2 angelfish, 6 or 7 neon tetras, an opaline gourami, a bristlenose plecostomus, and 3 false juli corys. I think it would be nice to put them into the larger tank, but I am torn between that and setting up the 65 as a saltwater tank.

I could always keep the 20 and make that salt.

65 gallon dimensions: 48" x 13" x 24"
20 gallon dimensions: 24" x 13" x 15"

Questions:
How much would it cost to set up the 65 as a saltwater tank?
Do you think I should make the 65 or the 20 saltwater?
I would need to use a skimmer, correct?
What kind of lighting would work best for my tank? (Both the 20 and the 65)

[reepher315]

I would use the 65 for salt. Your options will be much greater fish and coral wise. People run with and without skimmers. I suggest one though. Lighting depends on what you plan to keep. Certain coral / anemones need certain lights. I think you should answer your first qeustion (what to put in it) then suggestions would be more on target. Also set budget just so we can keep that in mind aswell

[TheBookWorm]

What would be a reasonable budget?

[TheBookWorm]

I know this is in the higher end of lighting, and requires a mature tank, a rose bubble tip anemone. There are three in my moms 90 gallon tank, so she said she'd save one for me if I wanted it, instead of giving it to the LFS.

[itzonlithai]

You're going to need a mature tank with good flow and lighting to keep an anemone. If your mom has three in her tank in sure she could give you some advice, but you're looking at about $300-400 to light 48" with LEDs. That's with the cheaper fixtures. Flow can range anywhere from $100 with jebaos to $400 with vortechs.

[TheBookWorm]

About how many watts would I need for a 24" deep tank in order to keep an anemone, just so I know a bit more what I'm looking for.

[toomany]

Having someone in the family/house that has an already established saltwater aquarium is definitely a leg up. I'd budget at least $1000 for the rest of the equipment. Depending on what pieces you choose to go with. Lighting, skimmer, heater, powerheads, rock, sump, return pump. You can get by without using a sump and use a HOB skimmer or go without even.

There was a recent thread about everyones cost per gallon. That may give you an idea of what some have into their system. I'm about $2500 into my 120g and am almost ready to add fish.

[TheBookWorm]

Seems like a lot of work. :) and money

What kind of filtration would I need? They tank came with a HOB filter, I'm not sure how well that works in saltwater though.

[itzonlithai]

Don't get hung up on watts per gallon or PAR with LEDs. I try to go off of the spectrum and coverage from the manufacturer and what others are running on their tanks.

I don't know too much about t5 or metal halides where watts per gallon does apply. I'm sure someone can chime in if you're interested in that route.

[TheBookWorm]

Okay, thanks.

[Jokes]

Nothing specific. Wether you buy brand new or second hand off the forum. Especially with a sump to setup the 65g. I'd say you're looking to spend over a thousand at least.

[TheBookWorm]

Okay.

[iceet]

My setup cost me about $3k INCLUDING livestock. I was very frugal and scoured craigslist for deals (protein skimmer and metal halides).

If you want to see it here is the link. My apologies, it is severely overstocked at the moment as two of my friends left the hobby this summer.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2450105