CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I have been keeping freshwater fish fo some time now and i am interseted in creating a "test tank" to get my marine skills up and running. I wanted to get some sort of shrimp and very small fish for a 10 gallon tank(for a year or so), i am not interseted in reef yet but i do want live sand and rocks. Is this a good idea and if so what minimal equipment do i need and how long do i need to cycle be4 adding my fish ( i heard it was different for saltwater). Any and all input is appreicaited.

Basics like cycleing are the same.

Some things you might want to consider though
(just my oponion here)
especially with salt,the smaller the tank the harder it is to take care of.
Inverts are harder to care for then fish.

You might want to start with a fish only tank. It's the best way to get used to saltwater

That small of a tank take an expert. Saltwater fish need everything to stay constent with that small amount of water it can change quicker and easier. Also they aren't much cheaper because you have to do a lot more to take care of a small tank. It will cost you a lot for that 10 gallon. I looked into it and the price was going to be around $300, so you would be better off getting a 55 gallon and doing a fish only tank, It's less than $300.

Just remember that saltwater fish aren't forgiving like freshwater, you can't miss a water change. All maintence must be done timely. If you start slacking all you will have is a big tank of salty water.