Topic: First Ever Salt Tank-- Advice Please!

[Antha]

So I?ve decided to convert my 26 gallon aquarium from a freshwater to saltwater tank (not a reef tank). My current 5 tetras will be moved to my 10 gallon. I did a lot of reading and looked at pretty much every link on this site and all over the internet and this is what I?ve come up with:
   I have a 26 gallon bowfront with a good stand, 100w adjustable heater, 30 gallon aqueon power filter, and a good light system with a timer.
      I figure I should get one more heater (just to be safe), a power head, test kits, water conditioner, the salt, a 30 gal protein skimmer, a hydrometer, and substrate. No sump. Maybe 12 to 14 lb of live rock?
    Is my filtration going to be strong enough?
      For fish I was thinking 5-7 Blue Green Chromis and a Flame Angel or Yellow Damselfish. Everywhere I?ve read says these fish are all compatible, but advice is always welcomed. Also, is this too many fish for the tank to hold?
     I?m thinking of a FOWLR tank, but I don?t know if I like the idea of small things climbing out of rocks and into my aquarium  ? But I do want what?s best for the fish.
     What substrate is best? I?ve heard sand is good but that it can get dirty looking. I don?t mind gravel and I always use a gravel vacuum whenever I do a water change, but I don?t know how that works with sand. What are the pros and cons from your personal experience? What is best for the fish?
      Will this set up work and how can I improve it? Sorry this was so long! This site seems AWESOME and any help will be greatly appreciated!

[LittlePuff]

No water conditioner. Use distilled or R/O water. You'll need about 20lbs of live rock. It will be your major source of filtration, then your skimmer. You do away with the Aqueon. It will only add nitrates. Get another powerhead instead.

That is way too many fish. Forget the Angel. With that many damsels, which are aggressive, the tank isn't big enough to add one. You could get hermit crabs, a porcelain crab (just make sure it's not the one that requires an anemone), emerald crab, snails. Any of those would be fine. You could have a small urchin too..

Stick with sand, and get critters to help keep it clean.

If you want the best advice, I'd recommend reefcentral.com, they have thousands of people there that have way more experience with all species. Sometimes there are more than a few species that are called the same name. You want to get specific.

[Antha]

So I definitely need to do more research... a lot more research. Thanks for the help! Saved me from a disaster   

[LittlePuff]

You're welcome. There are a few of us that have experience, but it doesn't compare with thousands.