Salt Water Aquariums

[FlyJumper]

How much is too much gph for a powerhead?

 

[Musho3210]

depends on whats in the tank, where the powerhead is positioned, what type of powerhead etc.

 

[FlyJumper]

Can someone list all the neccesary test kits, saltiny testers, chemicals needed to provide the proper care for my nano.

I've read up on all the test kits and such, but I am double checking to know what is neccesary.

 

[alexlark]

Can someone list all the neccesary test kits, saltiny testers, chemicals needed to provide the proper care for my nano.

I've read up on all the test kits and such, but I am double checking to know what is neccesary.

Yes I would like to know also what test kit to use. Does a saltwater master kit exist out there??

& am I able to use anything from my freshwater test kit to test saltwater?

(sorry dont want to hi-jack this thread!)

 

[SkiFletch]

For ALL saltwater aquariums (bare minimum):
Refractometer or Hydrometer to measure salinity (refractometers are generally far more reliable long-term)
TDS meter to test the purity of RO water
Thermometer for temperature
pH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

For those including soft corals or wishing to avoid algae outbreaks (in addition to above):
Phosphate

For those including hard corals (in addition to above):
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium

 

[FlyJumper]

are tds meters necessary?

 

[rictheredneck]

meh im not so sure i get my ro water tested at the lfs if i could be bothred gettin one i would lol

 

[SkiFletch]

are tds meters necessary?

If you own an RO unit, or buy water from an LFS which does not test theirs, then yes, it's absoloutely necessary. Not like they're expensive pieces of hardware

 

[John_Auberry]

I've heard that the initial set-up is harder but then once you have it running it's a peace of cake

somone lied to you...........Its way harder, but very rewarding. Once you go salt you cant every go back.

 

[alexlark]

For ALL saltwater aquariums (bare minimum):
Refractometer or Hydrometer to measure salinity (refractometers are generally far more reliable long-term)
TDS meter to test the purity of RO water
Thermometer for temperature
pH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

So does this mean I can use the same bottles from my Freshwater master test kit to test for pH, Amonia, Nitrate and Nitrite in a Saltwater setup??

 

[Musho3210]

yes im pretty sure you can, but look at the color card, if it doesnt say saltwater then dont use that color card.

http/images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...%3Dmqk%26sa%3DN

 

[FlyJumper]

I'm confused by the prices online for a tds meter (as said "it's not like there expensive peice of hardware") , when I looked online they were all $40 and up....

 

[Musho3210]

got mine for 30 dollars, an it wasnt even on ebay

40 dollars is cheap equipment compared to all the other things saltwater tanks should have.

 

[FlyJumper]

When should I buy live rock, when my salinity has reached between 1.022-1.024 (ideal conditions)? I'm guessing that could take a week or so (I'm trying to be very patient), then after a week should I test the parameters?

edit- also, when should I add the sand? I've read and seen mixed ways of adding sand, before the water is added, and after the water is added? I'm not planning to add live sand so I'm guessing before the water is added?

 

[alexlark]

yes im pretty sure you can, but look at the color card, if it doesnt say saltwater then dont use that color card.

http/images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...%3Dmqk%26sa%3DN

Thanks for the link!! Superb!