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What size tank?

Discussion in 'Saltwater Fish Forum' started by Anonymous, Jul 27, 2008.

  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    I know the old addage the bigger the better really rings true in the world of saltwater tanks, but I was wondering if my empty 4o gallon tank was big enough to support a small saltwater ecosystem. I live by the ocean and there is a desalinization plant here that filters salt water and allows you to get as much as you want for free. However, being desalination plant the water that is filtered sometimes has high salinity that can be avoided by testing and adding freshwater.
     
    Anonymous, Jul 27, 2008
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  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Sure, a 40 gallon tank can be used for saltwater. You just have to make sure you pick smaller fish.

    As far as using water from the plant. I think I'd advise against that. There's no guarantee that there's nothing harmful in the water.
     
    Anthony, Jul 28, 2008
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  3. Anonymous

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    The plant is run by the Environmental Studies Dept of UNCW and they give the water away for free for research etc. there is one hose that is straight sea water, the other has been completely sanitized, I know this because I am an Environmental Studies/Coastal Resource Management major.
     
    Anonymous, Jul 28, 2008
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  4. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    The straight sea water is a definite no. I'm still unsure about the other.
     
    Anthony, Jul 28, 2008
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  5. gangstafish

    gangstafish Member

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    Straight seawater has alot of bacteria in it. It gets fouled very quickly in a fish tank. It is safer and better to make your own saltwater with the mixes they make today. there's a good reason why saltwater hobbyists don't use straight seawater in their systems. Even the large Aquariums like Atlantis don't use sea water.
     
    gangstafish, Jul 29, 2008
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  6. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Im not sure you guys are understanding me, this water isnt straight saltwater. No biggie though decided against the salt.
     
    Anonymous, Jul 30, 2008
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  7. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Oh okay. I read it as if it was a hose coming from the ocean. :)
     
    Anthony, Jul 30, 2008
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  8. Dox13

    Dox13 Member

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    What kind of fish to do you like? Small or Large? It would make a pretty Plant tank too. The endlers would be pretty in it too.
     
    Dox13, Aug 3, 2008
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  9. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    What made you change your mind about the SW?
     
    Anonymous, Aug 5, 2008
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  10. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    cost, effort, and availability
     
    Anonymous, Aug 5, 2008
    #10