Interested in SW...

[Krib32]

Does this look like some good bottled bacteria? I never use bottled bacteria, so this will be a first for me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DGKU72/?tag=ff0d01-20

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To be honest, I probably won’t be getting any of the “special” clowns, just the originals. The “specials” cost over $90 for each fish, and usually $160 for a pair. Beautiful, but not in my price range.

Then again, there may be some variation that speaks to me, and I can’t resist, lol.

Black clowns are about 30 bucks. I used instant ocean bio-spira and cycled my tank in 3 days.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I think I’ll try with no RO first and then if I decide to get corals, I’ll maybe get an RO system.

Are they really only $30? Cool! I’ll definitely check at my LFS next time I go.

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I’m choosing to use “aragonite” sand for the 29g. Crushed coral is way to course IMO, and I just like the look of aragonite.

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I’ll make a shopping list in the morning, of what I have to get.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Updated shopping list:

• Nicrew Saltwater LED Light
• Dr. Tim’s Liquid Bacteria
• Plastic Hydrometer
• Aragonite Sand
• Live Rock

Now for the livestock:

• 1x Pair of Clown Fish (most likely Black)

That’s all I’m going to add, once I get the tank setup.

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I’m going to stay away from all live coral for now. I do have a small artificial one that I will probably add.

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Plan for switching stock/taking down the tank:

• Try to sell back the Bloodfins to my LFS, and hopefully get in-store credit for them.
• If/when I sell them back, I’ll add the 8x Harliquen Rasbora’s, 2x Neon Tetras, 1x Albino BNP, and Cherry Shrimp to the 20g long.
• Take all of the plants/decor/equipment out.
• Completely clean the tank inside and out.
• Replace tank on stand.
• Setup new tank will same equipment and new hardscape/substrate.
• Etc.

That’s all I have for now. Does that sound good?

 

[Krib32]

Updated shopping list:

• Nicrew Saltwater LED Light
• Dr. Tim’s Liquid Bacteria
• Plastic Hydrometer
• Aragonite Sand
• Live Rock

Now for the livestock:

• 1x Pair of Clown Fish (most likely Black)

That’s all I’m going to add, once I get the tank setup.

——

I’m going to stay away from all live coral for now. I do have a small artificial one that I will probably add.

——

Plan for switching stock/taking down the tank:

• Try to sell back the Bloodfins to my LFS, and hopefully get in-store credit for them.
• If/when I sell them back, I’ll add the 8x Harliquen Rasbora’s, 2x Neon Tetras, 1x Albino BNP, and Cherry Shrimp to the 20g long.
• Take all of the plants/decor/equipment out.
• Completely clean the tank inside and out.
• Replace tank on stand.
• Setup new tank will same equipment and new hardscape/substrate.
• Etc.

That’s all I have for now. Does that sound good?

Don't forget salt.

 

[Colin_T]

Does this look like some good bottled bacteria? I never use bottled bacteria, so this will be a first for me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DGKU72/?tag=ff0d01-20

I don't know about that product. It doesn't seem to be a filter bacteria supplement and could be something else.

If you have concerns about heavy metals in the tap water, filter it with carbon before mixing marine salt with it.

I’m choosing to use “aragonite” sand for the 29g. Crushed coral is way to course IMO, and I just like the look of aragonite.

If you have lots of rock, it will allow gunk to get trapped in course substrate like shells, coral rubble or aragonite. Sand stops crap settling into the substrate and the filter can pick it up.

Don't add fish until the tank has cycled. Marine fish won't tolerate ammonia due to the high pH.

Make sure you have a pH test kit that goes high enough for sea water.

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Black clowns are about 30 bucks. I used instant ocean bio-spira and cycled my tank in 3 days.

It depends on which country you live in. Here in Australia they set you back anywhere from $80each +. I have seen some retail for $300+ per fish, and there are people here breeding them and we get them from New Guinea and Indonesia so shipping isn't a big issue because they are only being sent short distances.

 

[Krib32]

I don't know about that product. It doesn't seem to be a filter bacteria supplement and could be something else.

If you have concerns about heavy metals in the tap water, filter it with carbon before mixing marine salt with it.


If you have lots of rock, it will allow gunk to get trapped in course substrate like shells, coral rubble or aragonite. Sand stops crap settling into the substrate and the filter can pick it up.

Don't add fish until the tank has cycled. Marine fish won't tolerate ammonia due to the high pH.

Make sure you have a pH test kit that goes high enough for sea water.

----------------------

It depends on which country you live in. Here in Australia they set you back anywhere from $80each +. I have seen some retail for $300+ per fish, and there are people here breeding them and we get them from New Guinea and Indonesia so shipping isn't a big issue because they are only being sent short distances.

Yikes thats alot for a black clown.

 

[Colin_T]

Yeah it's a rip off especially considering they are found around the northern half of the coastline and are being bred here.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I don't know about that product. It doesn't seem to be a filter bacteria supplement and could be something else.

If you have concerns about heavy metals in the tap water, filter it with carbon before mixing marine salt with it.

Ok, this one looks much better: (?) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WRGA5C/?tag=ff0d01-20

I do have active carbon in my HOB right now, so it should be good.

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Should I go ahead and kill the bacteria in the 29g tank filter, so I can start growing a new bacteria colony? (Once I get it all taken down and such)

——

If you have lots of rock, it will allow gunk to get trapped in course substrate like shells, coral rubble or aragonite. Sand stops crap settling into the substrate and the filter can pick it up.

Don't add fish until the tank has cycled. Marine fish won't tolerate ammonia due to the high pH.

Make sure you have a pH test kit that goes high enough for sea water.

Hm, ok. I don’t like the look of play sand in a SW tank, because it’s brown, rather than white. ?

I definitely won’t be adding any fish until I’m 100% my cycle has finished.

Ah, that’s another thing I need to add to my list; a test kit.

——

Updated list:

• Nicrew Saltwater LED Light
• Brightwell Aquatics Liquid Bacteria
• Plastic Hydrometer
• Sand
• Live Rock
• Instant Ocean Saltwater Mix

@Krib32, what brand of sand did you use in your 10g nano?

 

[cdelly]

hi, a bit late to this one

You need a starter, https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001LUNJZ6/?tag= is the one i used.
they do say you can add fish straight away but i waited for the cycle to complete.

a good test kit, to check when cycle has completed and weekly checks

personally i wouldn't use a hydrometer, these are better and easier to use like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014CXHFEY/?tag=

personally i would leave the live rock in the sea, yes it is full of bacteria but also can harbour nasties that are not required. you can buy loads of man made/ artificial rock now. I used Marco rock and the Dr Tims, didnt get any bristle worms(good cuc in moderation) or still bobbit worms

even with a fish only tank, you really need to use ro water. over here you can buy ro and saltwater made up from the LFS, so may be worth while

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I’m, ok, I’m in shock. I though the API Saltwater Master Test Kit was going to be $40+, but it’s the same cost as the freshwater one. ?

——

I’ve added everything up on my list, (Excluding the live rock and sand, because I’m not sure how much it costs at my LFS) and it came out to: $115

Much better than I had thought.

My original budget for all of this was $130, so I’m doing good.

 

[OliveFish05]

Hm, ok. I don’t like the look of play sand in a SW tank, because it’s brown, rather than white. ?

Have you looked into pool filter sand? I think it is a much paler color than play sand. Also, I have used Caribsea Super Natural Crystal River sand and it is also very pale, the bag said it could be used in a saltwater aquarium. Not sure if either suggestion was helpful though as I know nothing about saltwater. (if you want I can put up a photo of the two different sands in my tanks)

 

[Krib32]

I’m, ok, I’m in shock. I though the API Saltwater Master Test Kit was going to be $40+, but it’s the same cost as the freshwater one. ?

——

I’ve added everything up on my list, (Excluding the live rock and sand, because I’m not sure how much it costs at my LFS) and it came out to: $115

Much better than I had thought.

My original budget for all of this was $130, so I’m doing good.

Just so you know the API saltwater test kit has the same formula in the bottles as the freshwater and just has different color cards.

 

[Krib32]

Ok, this one looks much better: (?) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WRGA5C/?tag=ff0d01-20

I do have active carbon in my HOB right now, so it should be good.

——

Should I go ahead and kill the bacteria in the 29g tank filter, so I can start growing a new bacteria colony? (Once I get it all taken down and such)

——


Hm, ok. I don’t like the look of play sand in a SW tank, because it’s brown, rather than white. ?

I definitely won’t be adding any fish until I’m 100% my cycle has finished.

Ah, that’s another thing I need to add to my list; a test kit.

——

Updated list:

• Nicrew Saltwater LED Light
• Brightwell Aquatics Liquid Bacteria
• Plastic Hydrometer
• Sand
• Live Rock
• Instant Ocean Saltwater Mix

@Krib32, what brand of sand did you use in your 10g nano?

I used Stoney River sand.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Just so you know the API saltwater test kit has the same formula in the bottles as the freshwater and just has different color cards.

Huh? So you can use the freshwater one for saltwater!?

Have you looked into pool filter sand? I think it is a much paler color than play sand. Also, I have used Caribsea Super Natural Crystal River sand and it is also very pale, the bag said it could be used in a saltwater aquarium. Not sure if either suggestion was helpful though as I know nothing about saltwater. (if you want I can put up a photo of the two different sands in my tanks)

Hm, I don’t really like pool filter sand, as far as texture goes.

I would love to see side by side photos in tank! This photos of it in the bag don’t really do any good for color.

I used Stoney River sand.

Ok, thank you. I’ll look into this.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Huh? So you can use the freshwater one for saltwater!?

After some research, it seems that I can use the liquids, and they will work, but the color cards will not match. (As you said @Krib32)

Would it be worth it to try to find just the color card and buy that? Or would it be better to just buy the other test kit?

I thought that I may be able to print it off online, but the color may not match?