Thinking of making a saltwater Have some questions

[sevenyearnight]

I'm going to agree. PP and everyone here has given you patient, and accurate advice. Please be as patient with us as we are with you. There is no reason to get grumpy with people who are trying to help you.

[pufferfreak]

Question about SW
How often do you need to make water changes?
Do you always need a protein skimmer?(i still need a filter right?)
If i was going to get a 29 or 30 how much live rock would i need?

I am thinking about getting a pair of clown fish and 2 firefish, do you think that would be overstock of that size of tank?

Do i need any type of coral for fish that i picked?

When i am cycling the tank do i need to do water changes? how should i cycle the tank?


sorry if something does not make any sense, and if it does i will redo it to try to make sense out of it.

Thanks
Nicholas

Water changes very from person to person, as does the amount of live rock required. This is why keeping SW tanks can be relatively difficult. Generally speaking, 1.5 pounds of live rock per gallon is recommended. A pair of clownfish and gobies might be pushing it in that tank. You could get away without a skimmer for a FOWL tank, but for the beginner keeper, one is strongly recommended. Yes you would need a filter still; many reefers often have sumps. Canister filters are not advised for in tropical marine setups as they are nitrate factories. The only anthozoa you would need is an anemone, though that is considered optional by some.

Again, check out that link PP posted if you haven't already.

[muffinman3560]

I think you should get your FW tank situated--healthy & successful long-term, before considering SW.

Sorry for being mean i was a till grumpy from when she told me that.

I have started reading the link, i have not had that much time i have been busy with school work. Can you the canister filter like a sump? (not use FW filter media in it)Its eem like they work just about the same.

[xrayjeeper83]

Not really, if you put anything in the canister it will catch debris and stuff and could cause nitrate problems