I Kind Of Want To Start A Saltwater Tank

[-Nemo-]

Around 78F is usually a good median.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Great, thanks!

Also, how would I go about cycling the tank? Is it the same as a freshwater tank by adding ammonia?

-FHM

 

[shelaghfishface]

Nemo you are very useful, but I have trouble taking it all in

I think I will be asking the same questions over and over. Maybe I should start writing things down!

I made a thread about the equipment I need, and I kind of understand what I need, then you have to decide which brand to go for, and what price you are willing to pay.. its all hard work.

Good luck FHM

asking over and over is the way to learn i never dreamed i would have what it takes to run a reef tank.. but i have yes theres been lots of tears on the way,and of course im still learning.. but the only way to learn is to ask.. if youre not sure ask again no one on here would knock your confidence by making you look silly.. so youve no worries there.. we all have to start somwehere..and to think, 2 yrs ago i was killing goldfish in unfiltered bowls

 

[Hawkins]

Lol thanks Shelagh. If you want to help me remember it, you can impart some of your knowledge on my thread I really would like everything I need to know in one place so I can keep going back to it.

 

[seffieuk]

I really would like everything I need to know in one place so I can keep going back to it.

Really good idea, it's lovely to read back over your trials, tribulations, smiles and triumphs a year on

Seffie x

 

[-Nemo-]

Great, thanks!

Also, how would I go about cycling the tank? Is it the same as a freshwater tank by adding ammonia?

-FHM

Live rock will cycle your tank for you. Good, cured rock will usually cycle your tank in no more than a week.


And yes, infinite questions are always welcome!

 

[fatheadminnow]

Anymore tips for the beginner?

Is a skimmer a necessity?

-FHM

 

[Hawkins]

And yes, infinite questions are always welcome!

When I said I would ask other people, it wasn't because I don't trust your information, I just thought I would give you a break

But if you don't want one... head to my thread

 

[-Nemo-]

Not a necessity, but recommended. Without one you would need to do more frequent water changes or have less stocking.


Biggest tip ever: Keep asking questions and going slow Don't rush into having a beautiful tank, it comes with time.

And yes, infinite questions are always welcome!

When I said I would ask other people, it wasn't because I don't trust your information, I just thought I would give you a break

But if you don't want one... head to my thread

I know that was your intention no worries
And i've already been there!

 

[fatheadminnow]

Okay, thanks a lot for that bit of information!

How would I go about cycling the tank? Is it some what the same for a fresh water tank?

-FHM

 

[-Nemo-]

Set up your tank completely with all the equipment and fill it with saltwater. Wait a day, put some live rock in there and wait. The live rock should cycle the tank. Fairly simple and quicker than freshwater tanks!

 

[fatheadminnow]

First, saltwater, how do I get it? lol. I have RO water, so what else do I need?

So I add the live rock and then how long will I have to let it sit for? Then I can add a couple fish at that point?

Do I need to run a HOB filter or something like that?

Thanks!

-FHM

 

[-Nemo-]

Get lots of salt (My personal favorite brand is Instant Ocean). Generally 1/2 Cup of salt per gallon of water will make the salinity of the water 1.024. That will be a good density for having corals and inverts. Many people like to go a little higher (up to 1.025) for corals and inverts. So mix up your saltwater really well and test the salinity to make sure it is correct.

Once you get some life in there, it's best to mix up your saltwater a day before you need it. Let it mix up really well (with a pump or powerhead) and heat it up to whatever the temperature of your tank is.



The live rock will cycle your tank, so you'll periodically want to check your water and see where it's at. Once your NitRITes and Ammonia are at 0, your cycle has ended and you are free to add your CUC (clean up crew) or a couple fish.

I would personally run a filter (preferably a skimmer) while the tank is cycling and continue to afterwards.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Do I need to add ammonia to the tank to cycle it with live rock?

Surely the tank cannot cycle without a source of ammonia, unless I am mistaken?

Thanks a lot for your continued help!

-FHM

 

[-Nemo-]

No you do not need to add ammonia.
The live rock has all sorts of life on it, hence its name. As things live and die on it, it will cause ammonia to enter your system and allow your cycle to occur.