[k-dawg-]

Originally Posted by justintrask

Hey everyone. I've never done SW before, and I know a lot of you probably dislike it or something,...

but has anyone used the "Real Ocean Water" that big chain stores sell for SW tanks?

Never used it so can't really comment but mixing your own saltwater is not that hard. It is also usually cheaper, you can choose your own brand, and mix it to any salinity you want


I understand they are EXTREMELY difficult, especially without any SW experience, but because of spacial constraints,

Its harder thats for sure, most suggest at least a 30-40G tank for starter. Swings in temperature and salinity are greatly magnified in smaller tanks. Also changes in bioload can cause problems and when things start to go downhill the tend to go fast.

I am planning a 5G Mantis Shrimp tank.

WIth a 5G tank your choices in mantis shrimp will be limited. The only kind I would consider would be an N. Wennerae


And also another question. I have read several different arguments, but if I keep up with water changes, is a filter absolutely necessary if using live rock and live sand? I plan on having a powerhead obviously, but is a filter necessary? And a powerhead with a foam attachment, does that act as a type of sponge filter so to speak?

"filter" is a loose term. A power filter with sponge/carbon will quickly clog and become a nitrate sink in s/w. If you are set on a 5G tank I would look up Osiris' DIY HOB Fuge thats stickied in the DIY section. With enough flow, live rock and established refugium filtration would definitely be adequate IMO.
http://www.fishforums.com/forum/diy-...-refugium.html

PSS. JK about the $1 bet

One dollar please =) and don't dare try to go back on it

EDIT: FWIW I have a 5.5G reef that has been set up for about 8 months