Changing From Tropical To Marine?

[Smells a bit fishy]

The API kit will do, but Saliferts would be better as they're more accurate, you need to order the salt water cards from API themselves, the nitrite one and the high range PH one is the same however.

Yeh I bought it before I read on here saliferts is better. Next time I need a test I will get saliferts. Ok so I just need need new cards, is that because the salt changes the colour of the tests?

 

[StandbySetting]

The salt affects the reagents giving slightly different colours.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

RO water is generally 10 pence a Litre, so buying and plumbing in your own machine would be cheaper in the long run, you wont need copper based meds as it is lethal to invertebrates.

SeffieUK asked if I have ever used them, because if so I can use the tank as a marine one.

 

[StandbySetting]

If you have used them then it is possible that the tank wont be suitable for invertebrates, it might be worth contacting the seller and asking them if they used them also.

I used copper based fertilisers in my Rio prior to going reef and to ensure that there was non left I emptied it, let it dry, then filled it with RO a few power heads and some granular carbon, this will bind any copper, it will also draw out any copper that has been absorbed by the silicone.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Ok, well the tank was dry when I picked it up. So if I empty this let r dry and then leave it run or a week or so this should be ok? I don't have the sellers number anymore. Should I just stay as tropical just in case they did use them?

 

[fishy55599]

it should be fine to use

just give it a scrub with warm water

 

[StandbySetting]

Once it is filled with RO, you could leave it running for a day or so and then perform a copper test, if there is copper being leached use carbon to try and eliminate it, the carbon will bind any copper.

 

[seffieuk]

Should I just stay as tropical just in case they did use them?

Nah, either do as SBS suggested or fill with water and get yourself a copper test - tbh, we have had many people through here over the years and not one, as I recall, had copper in their tank

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/SALIFERT-COPPER-PROFI-TEST-KIT-MARINE-FISH-REEF-CU-/220751773560?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item3365d4bf78

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Yeh I did that when I got it, and used ammonia as well. Ok once I have emptied it I will do it again.

Ok one question, how much live rock do I need and how much is live rock?

 

[seffieuk]

Once it is filled with RO, you could leave it running for a day or so and then perform a copper test,

SNAP!

Ok one question, how much live rock do I need and how much is live rock?

Approx 22/25 Kilos look for someone breaking down a tank, should cost approx £5 a kilo that way as compared to £12 in a lfs

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Omg!! Now could I add that slowly or does it have to be in to start? I don't think I could afford over £100 especially not £200 from my LFS if I can't find someone breaking down a tank.

Oh also can I move marine tanks? As I am moving house in the next 6 months. Or should I wait till I move to set it up. Sorry about all the questions. Even though I know most of you enjoy answering them lol

 

[fishy55599]

you can buy bits at a time
you can move marine tanks

 

[StandbySetting]

Patience is a virtue, you're much better off adding it all in one go than staggering it, take your time, get all of the bits you need before actually setting up.

 

[seffieuk]

you can buy bits at a time
you can move marine tanks

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Cool. Thankyou very much! Ok one and last final question then I will leave you in peace. How much water needs to be dispearsed from a powerhead and skimmer?

Is it a similar ratio to filters in a tropical tank?