[paulinprovidence]

I have kept fresh-water tanks for several years and always wanted a salt-water tank because of the exotic colors and beauty of the fish. But I always heard the rumors about how difficult they were to keep and maintain and how expensive they were. 7 months ago, I started a 10 gallon salt water tank to prove to myself that I could do it, with the plans to graduate to a larger tank if all went well. I did everything I learned I was supposed to do by reading books, on-line articles and speaking with people at aquarium stores. For 2 months, I tested the water every day through the cycling process and afterwards. Now I have a 46 gallon bow-front tank and I am amazed that it has been less work and easier than keeping a fresh water tank. I have chosen fish that are hardy and "easy to care for." I have a yellow tang, 2 clowns, damsels and some cleaner shrimp. They all look healthy, and the water tests perfect according to the guidelines I've learned. Ph=8.0, Ammonia=0, Nitrites=0, Nitrates=5.0 and Saline=1.020. Is this too good to be true, or am I headed for some sort of unforeseen disaster that I don't know about yet? I would also like to add a fish (or 2) that is red. Any advice about what breed of fish I can purchase to add a splash of red to the tank that would be compatible?

[rlcline76]

Welcome to RB!
I wish I had your ease, I'd like to take a day or two to enjoy my tanks rather than maintain them!

[paulinprovidence]

Well, I'm not testing the water daily anymore. I've been testing once a week, along with the prescribed water changes, and all's well so far; I still have the original fish from my 10 gallon tank, and since I started, none of my fish have died. I am just afraid that I might be overlooking something that could cause a problem in the future that I have not been monitoring.

[rlcline76]

Well, as far as overlooking...
Are you using RO/DI water? This can become a future problem.
Once a week testing is fine. Your numbers are good. You could slowly creep your salinity up to maybe 1.023-1.024ish and all would be even better. Some organism do enjoy the salinity.
Outside of that, you may want to get kits for calcium and KH.

[paulinprovidence]

What is RO/DI water? Never heard of it. I'm using tap water, dechlorinating it and adding salt. I have 2 testing kits, and already have the chemicals to test for calcium and KH, but haven't been doing so. What are the parameters for these? I will start to slowly creep up the salinity as you advise, because I know it is in the lower range of what is acceptable, and some fish need a higher level. Thank you for your advice!

[rlcline76]

RyanG has posted parameters in the guides forum.
RO/DI is reverse osmosis deionized water. If you insist on using tap, you might want to have the city test it. RO/DI takes out a lot of the nasty things found in water, like phosphates, nitrates and silicates, to name a few. My fish drink better than I. Possible problems by not using it can be green hair algae, diatoms (which happen anyway as a part of the cycling process) and cyanobacteria. You will probably notice these things within the first few months.
Just something to think about...