first saltwater aquarium

[hyrookin]

hey gumbyri, I am actually going to get a new one myself.the last one I
had was a seatest,but these are in powder form and I think I will get
a dropper one,probably a red sea one. you should get a master kit,
which will include ammonia,nitrite,nitrate+ph,and is cheaper than
getting them individually.

 

[impur]

The Salifert tests I have read are the most accurate. I personally use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and have never had a problem with them. I use them for SW and FW.

 

[gumbyri]

not much progress this week as I was traveling

I picked up an ammonia testing kit for $12 in Chicago


I tried to order "the package" from Tampa Salt Water, which is a combination of sand, live rock and several clean-up critters. Unfortunately, I received an automated reply after e-mailing my order which said they were out of the country until July 20.

Can anyone recommend a similar supplier? I'd like to order something this week

thanks

 

[impur]

I've read good stuff about Dr. Mac's LR. Here is the link

http/www.drmaccorals.com/sys-tmpl/door/

 

[gumbyri]

latest update

I ordered "the package" from Tampa Bay Saltwater. The 1/2 of the shipment (sand and live rock) was due to deliver last night. Unfortunately, there was a shipping delay (Northworst) and the airlines could not locate the boxes. Believe it or not, I received a call a short while ago from Richard at TBS, and the boxes had been returned to him! It took Northworst about 2 extra hours to figure this out.

Richard was great and said he would send me a new batch of sand and live rocks on Thursday. I haven't seen their product yet, but I have been very impressed with their service.

My TetraTec filter didn't last too long...I've exchanged it for a "Guardian" 200w heater and the Aqua Clear 50 power head.

I also bought what Petco said was their best protein skimmer, the SeaClone 100 for $110.

I am still in need of new lights...unfortunately it appears the Petco hood and top won't be around much longer either

 

[impur]

You won't be disappointed with your LR. TBS simply has the best LR around. They also ship it in water instead of newspaper, so you will have no, or a very short, cycle. Tons of hitchikers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you plan on keeping corals, don't spend the money on the petco top. Head over to www.hellolights.com and get one of their custom PC lights, or a retro-fit one. I got my light from there, the 96w Powerquad. I love it, best $100 i spent on my tank. Update with pics when you get the LR!!

 

[gumbyri]

I'm pretty close to ordering the 24" "Orbit" light...it might be a little pricey but it looks nice.

I haven't figured out how to send pictures yet, perhaps I don't have access to this option yet

 

[bgraber]

Thats the lighting I have over my 30 xtra tall.. 1 actinic bulb and one daylight right? 65w a piece with the moonlights built in? My was actually a Custom Sealife which of course is now out of business so I dont know if Orbit picks up the warranty or not.. WOrth asking about. Nice lights though.. Unless you want to do heavy duty stuff like some clams(tridacna, squamosa) and sps(acropora etc) (small polyp stony). Then you want metal halides or at least VHO..

 

[impur]

I haven't figured out how to send pictures yet, perhaps I don't have access to this option yet

You have to either upload them to a photo album at a different site and link it here using the IMG tag, or go to the members aquarium pictures forum and there is an option to upload a pic there.