Walmart Hex converting to saltwater

[leakyfaucet]

Hey everyone. I have a 1.6 gallon hexagonal tank i got from Walmart, and I was hoping of trying a saltwater set up. Is it possible to utilize its existing Undergravel filtration system or will i have to get a separate power filter. I'm hoping to grow some live rock in there maybe a little bit of coral and mushrooms but i'm not quite sure yet. Something simple. Maybe even just sand and a little fishy and maybe a tiny rock with sea anemone or something. Anyhow, I was wondering what type of light I would have to get. It currently comes with an incandescent light. Will i have to modify this? I'm totally new at this so any pointers would be great. Thanks!!

 

[sadielynn]

Welcome to nanotank .UGF would need replaced , they can throw the tank off its balance with the nitrAtes nitrItes , and bio levels .hex tanks are harder to light (finding a light to fit it ) and the lighting would not be enough for corals incandescant lights are the wrong lighting spectrum for corals , perhaps a 50/50 screw in pc light would allow you to keep maybe a shroom or gsp. An anemone would require very strong lighting . for a fish you would be limited to maybe a small goby and that would be about it............. These tanks are made from acrylic wich will be a bit harder to clean and will scratch super easy if you want a salt tank then try a 2.5 gallon glass tank more options and they are made with glass thus being harder to scratch . I dont think that these tanks would work as a salt tank JMHO HTH

 

[reefman23]

lighting-wise, I have that same tank with a betta and a few live plants and I use this http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... 004+113345 It sits right on top of the tank.

I do have to say, though, that I think you will have much more fun with a slightly larger tank, say a 5.5 or a 10g. It will cost a little more, but in the long run it will be much more enjoyable. You may want to look a little more into the 6g or 12g nanocubes...
6 gallon version: http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_6g_nanocube.html
12 gallon deluxe version: http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_12gDX_nanocube.html

You can get the 12g deluxe at a local fish store for about $150 and the lighting and filtration would be sufficient for many different kinds of corals.

hope this helps and welcome to nanotank!!

Jesse

 

[Sea_Dawg]

I fish might not be the best choice for a tank that small and tall...How about a shrimp? Or maybe even just some hermit crabs and snails?

 

[reefman23]

Maybe even just sand and a little fishy and maybe a tiny rock with sea anemone or something. Anyhow, I was wondering what type of light I would have to get. It currently comes with an incandescent light. Will i have to modify this?

Sorry, let me add on to my previous post....ditch this idea please...not attempting to be mean but please here me out. I would have to say no fish in this size tank, and for sure NO anemone in this size tank. that lighting isnt going to work out for you either. Coralife offers a srew-in type bulbe for mini reefs, but i dont recommend them. they are ineffient and you would be better off with the one I previously posted.

IF you decide to go with this hex, i would recommend:

1. A couple small frags of zoanthids.
2. Maybe a small mushroom or two.
3. A pound or so of broken up live rock.
4. A small blue hermit and a small cerith snail(?)
5. Maybe a shrimp of some sort. (NOTE: Invertebrates such as shrimps are very sensitive to shanges in salinity which can happen very quickly in such a small environment. I would add a DIY auto top off unit which can be made for less that $10.)

6. Research and read.
7. The smaller the environment, the faster things change and become unstable. Know what you are getting yourself into
8. Always expect to pay more than what you expect if you decide to get into this hobby.
9. AND FINALLY: research and read. (not a typo)

I like how Skip says it so I will quote him again, "The only thing that happens quickly in a reeftank is disaster........that plus an empty bank account!". So on that note, take your time, think it through, and research other threads on this site and you will be fine.

Hope this helps,

jesse

 

[skipm]

THanks for the plug Jesse.

I have to agree with everyones posts so far. If this tank is the way you want to go then get the light the Jesse linked you to and forget about trying to keep any kind of fish. A sexy shrimp, hermit crab, porcelin crab, etc. would be doable but I would opt for a larger tank even for ONE of those. Don't feel like we are against you, its just not a good idea to keep fish in one of those tanks and its lighting is not suitable ofr corals. Keep asking questions and we'll do our best to steer you in the right direction

BTW :welcome to nanotank!

 

[leakyfaucet]

Thanks everyone. I think i might ditch this plan. Maybe just get a bigger tank to play with. I'll be back with more questions

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Check out the members tanks section http://www.nanotank.com/forum/index.php?c=4 . You may get some ideas on what kind of set up you'd like to do. There are a ton of options open to you and my suggestion would be to choose a standard size tank that can be lit easily with a standard sized fixture. Unless you are ready to jump into the DIY world, standard is the way to go.