New to saltwater

[centj2010]

ive decided that i want to change my 10 gallon freshwater aquarium into a saltwater nano reef. ive been doing research on it for the past few days, and they are really beautiful. the only problem is that ive never delt with salt water and i have no idea of what i need exactly.. so if anyone could help on specific items that i need, and instructions and or helpful hints it would be greatly appreciated.

[paneubert]

Welcome.

What did you learn in your few days of research if you still have no idea of what you need

 

Start with this link...

http://www.nano-reef.com/articles/

 

The one labeled "Setting Up A Nano Reef" might help.

 

Then ask any specific questions you have. Asking people to build your tank for you sometimes goes bad on this site.

[centj2010]

touche. but a question that i have is about filtration, right now i have an aqueon quiet flow 10. is this good for my soon to be nano reef?

[paneubert]

touche. but a question that i have is about filtration, right now i have an aqueon quiet flow 10. is this good for my soon to be nano reef?

 

It would not be enough to give good flow, and people debate about if filters like that serve any purpose other than a place to put some chemical filtration or macro algae. You need something bigger or at least need to add some more flow via a powerhead or pump.

[centj2010]

any specific powerhead or pump you would recommend?

[paneubert]

Cheap but good way to go would be a hydor koralia of some kind.

[centj2010]

now about live rock, i just read the section on the article you just gave me but is there such thing as "bad' live rock?

[paneubert]

Bad live rock would be something that has undesirable things growing on it. You could read the articles about hitchhikers or the ID forums for various creatures and algae so that you know what to avoid on your rock. If you want to play it safe, you could start with dry/base rock and then buy one really nice live rock that looks nice. Less live rock to start with means less chance of nasty things coming with it.

 

Or read this...

"Live Rock Selection"

http://www.nano-reef.com/articles/?article=11

[ihatesears18]

salt+water+sand+rock+heater+powerhead+water changes. this is what you need.

[centj2010]

why thank you! that helps alot. i think ive got an idea of what i need.

[monosyth]

I think another good idea is to look for people on here, using the search, that have gone the same route as the system you are planning to build. (Those that have 10 gallon reefs) Often if they have had success, you can follow what they've done. Oh, and it's gonna get pricey no matter how small it is...

[Phyto4life]

Smelling a rock should give you a good idea on it's actual health, if it questionable.

 

There should be next to no smell imo.

 

same goes with snail's.