CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

Hi I'm interested in making my 65 gallon FW tank a fish only marine tank, not anytime soon though however, the price of equipment is astounding!

But after vigorous research and advice I want to know if anyone has a good alternative for a COST efficient but TANK efficient tank.

Aside from the protein skimmer the wet/dry seems very effective, but i hear from pet store people live rock is essential, is it though? if it is a fish only? and if it is, if your fish load is low can you get away with 1/3-1/4 lbs of live rock per gallon? cuz 6-8 dollars per lb. for a 65 is too much for me. what if you have a deep sand bed+wet/dry+protein skimmer OR a canister filter+Emperor 400+deep sand bed?

In my oponion
If you want to save money skip the protein skimmer,I always thought they were a waste of $ for a fish only tank.Or buy a cheaper powerhead type protein skimmer since they will work just fine for a 65 gallon tank.


If I had to decide between buying live rock and a skimmer for a fish only tank,I'd take the live rock because it add looks and natural biological filtration. But people also get by fine without live rock or put the rock in their wet/dry to save "fish room" in the tank.

"a canister filter+Emperor 400" will work fine for a 65gal set up as long as you don't over stock it. Or you could go with a skilter brand filter (built in protein skimmer) and the Emperor.

I'd try checking prices somewhere else on live rock,if your just talking about normal live rock those prices are high! Here it's usually like:
Caribbean base - $1.25 - $2.00
Fiji/Fuji $3 -$4.95
Fiji for $4.25 per pound for 25 lbs with FREE shipping!
or
$4.39 shipped to your door Fiji

Tonga shelf $3.75 - $6.00
Tonga branch $6.00 - 8.50
Marshall Island $4.50 - $6.00

Savi , sauvaugie (however those two are spelled),blue ridge and Barrier reef $8.50-$14.00 they're expensive but rarer then most live rock.

You can also make your own live rock useing bright salt water lights kent rock cure (if they still make it?) and some time,. Theres also a few other ways do a search online and you should find alot of cheap ways to do it.

thanx for your reply. my prices are in canadian dollars though, i forgot to mention.

do you know if fish stores sell uncured live rock for cheaper?

do you know if fish stores sell uncured live rock for cheaper?

Not off the top of my head,maybe try a search,but if your new salt or want to put fish in the tank reasonably fast get live rock thats already cured and save yourself the headaches