Reef Builders - The Source for Reef Keeping Information

Reef Builders Forums » Saltwater Aquariums » New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) » new tank; researched but still have questions

Reef Produce ReviewsSubmit your own review, or look at others.
Reef Builders Library: a wealth of information at your fingertips, check out a book now
 
 
 
 

New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) Think you can upgrade to saltwater? Your probably very confused, but remember ask questions and you'll get your answers on here!
Notices

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 05-26-2007, 05:04 PM
naturelvr's Avatar
Skimming the surface
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 3
Blog Entries:
naturelvr is looking at reefs
Default new tank; researched but still have questions

I am new to the saltwater tank world and have many questions about water quality and contaminations. I have a 55 gallon tank with a Filstar canister filter. I haven't added aeration (other than output of filter) yet but I have a heater. I've cycled tank for 3 weeks at 86 degree. I've checked salinity and its on high end, should I dilute it? It reads 1.025 at 30 degree celsius. If so, how much water is recommended- 5gal of deionized 10- do a 20% water change? And would I contaminate my water with my hand or plastic utensils? Do I have to sterilize utensils? Yup I got alot of questions! Also, is it okay to use oyster shells for shelter instead of store bought rocks and is it too late to add live rock?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 05-26-2007, 06:35 PM
glampka's Avatar
Ramblin' Man
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,629
Blog Entries: 0
glampka is looking at reefs
Default Re: new tank; researched but still have questions

First off - what kind of tank do you plan on keeping - FOWLR or reef? If you're having a reef, I would get rid of the canister filter - they become nitrate factories when you don't clean them regularly. You can bring the salinity down by adding plain water to the tank, - hopefully you're not using tap water. As long as you don't have any lotions, creams, etc on your hands, you won't contaminate the tank. No need to sterilize utensils. Never too late to add rock but ideally it should go in before your sand so that if you get any burrowing fish the rocks won't come tumbling down.
__________________
Gone to greener pastures!
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 05-27-2007, 08:12 AM
starfishlover's Avatar
Master RB in the making
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 128
Tank Size (US GAL): 125
Experience: 1 Year
Name: Lori
Blog Entries: 0
starfishlover is looking at reefs
Default Re: new tank; researched but still have questions

1.025sg is good if you're doing a reef tank. 86*seems alittle high to me. 78-81 or so is what you want the temp at.
__________________
Lori

125 gal tank w/pre drilled corner overflows
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 05-28-2007, 03:36 PM
naturelvr's Avatar
Skimming the surface
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 3
Blog Entries:
naturelvr is looking at reefs
Default Re: new tank; researched but still have questions

I thought so too, brought it down now to 80 degree- Thanks. Just need to bring down the salinity. Saw that people wer having trouble getting rid of excess salt water. If I do, say a 10% water change with freshwater, what should Ido with the salt H20?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Upgrading Questions... Cela Vie New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) 0 05-23-2007 03:58 PM
New tank cleaning questions Mattfish New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) 2 05-07-2007 01:04 AM
New tank, first fish bought yesterday....questions luciafam Reef Discussion 3 04-24-2007 02:24 AM
Changing tank over from freshwater to saltwater marciemp New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) 1 04-08-2007 10:00 PM
Tank of the Month RyanG Tank of The Month 0 02-14-2007 10:03 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:07 AM.