We’re thinking about getting a saltwater aquarium in a 50 gallon tank. What would be the cost to set it up?
Thanks
We already have the tank

If you have the tank , plan on spending 500 to 1,000 depending on what equipment you will think is not necessary at first. but plan on the 1,000 in the end.

I had a freshwater aquarium for years now. I recently bought a new 60gallon tank. I am thinking of going for a saltwater aquarium.

First, do you need a special filter or an addition for saltwater? The One I have says it is for fresh or saltwater aquariums, so I am assuming it is fine.

When you first start do you just add the special salt and maintain proper levels by adding salt?

What is the best/recommended protein skimmers?

Last question… Is live rock completely necessary? Is is expensive?

Thanks so mush for your help!

There are no "special filters" for saltwater. Any filter will work for saltwater or freshwater just fine because the mechanics behind the filtration process are identical. Cycling still applies as well.

You add the salts when doing water changes…don’t just dump salt into the tank. However, top-off water needs to be fresh. This is because the water evaporates, but the salt doesn’t–it stays in solution. As such, it becomes more concentrated, and thus the water becomes more salty, over time.

Which protein skimmers are the best really depends on who you ask. People can agree that some skimmers are terrible (Seaclone, for example), but which ones are good vary. Steven Pro once wrote a great review online, giving his impressions of skimmers. It’s biased, sure, but he’s isn’t exactly a nobody in the hobby. You might it helpful to review it here:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_1/cav1i1/protein_skimmer_impressions.htm

I won’t say live rock is necessary…I will say that you’re a fool to go without. It can be expensive, yes, but it’s easily the one of the most justifiable expenses you can make. With cured live rock, you will not require any other filter (except the protein skimmer)…not only does it filter the water, but it dentrifies wastes entirely to boot. Its abundant advantages outweigh the costs several times over.
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There’s a bit more to know, of course, and I’m not sure how much research you done. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Bob Fenner’s "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist." If you follow the advice in the pages, you’ll be steered in the right direction.

I am looking to buy a fish aquarium. I have looked on craigslist, and found a nice tank that I want. The only problem is, is that it was a saltwater aquarium. Can I clean it and use it as a freshwater tank? Or will it kill my fish? If you need aquarium salt for some freshwater fish, will it be ok?

Yes, you can, just wash it thouroghly without soap. Use warm water to kill bacteria and have fun with your new tank!