Starting a new tank

[Korilee]

Hi everyone. I recently Bought a tank setup to upgrade my freshwater tank, but then decided to get ambitious and attempt a salt water tank. The problem is all I have is a tank :bagfish: I really need to find out what supplies to buy to start this process. Any help would be great :happysad:. I've already spent so much money and would really like the cost to stay minimal with respect to the supplies but ofcourse good quality. Wish me luck on my journey.
Kim

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Hello Kim and welcome to MR. One thing I learned from the hobby.. you go cheap you end up paying twice as much in the long run. Save up if you have to, it might hurt your pocket but it will be worth it later on. This hobby is an investment of time and money and if done correctly it will look beautifull at the end. Look into sumps with refugiums, The correct lighting(Metal Halides, T5's or Power Compacts), decide on what you want to keep in your tank, and ask and research on products used to maintain your reef or fish only tank. Purchase a good protein skimmer. MY rule of thumb for lighting an aquarium is 3 watts per gallon min and 5 watts per gallon max.
Any other question just ask or research. Others will add info later on and please use your own judgement. What may work for me may not work for you... Catch my drift.
Your already ahead of the game because you have some experience with freshwater. Have fun!!! TTY soon.