help with u-build it kit

[saltyrich]

I'm receiving my u-build it kit today and I have a few questions about the snails. My water parameters are excellent. I have been advised by the local lfs that snails require stable salinity; even a bit on the higher side and plenty of oxygenated water. Is this indeed the case? I have a 55 gallon tank with a skilter 250 operating exclusively as a power filter, a CPR Bak Pak reef ready skimmer, and three separate powerheads pulling around 200 gallons per hour. The Hagen is positioned at the surface and can produce a lot of turbulence when I want it to. The other two are submerged.

 

[nm reef]

Some snails and crabs do not deal well with sudden changes in salinity. You'll get a set of instructions with your order. Follow them as close as possible and all should be fine. I'm betting you'll be pleased.

 

[saltyrich]

Thanks. You were right. I am very pleased with everything I received. It all made it alive. I'm still wondering about the snails and heavily oxygenated water though?

 

[ed r]

Having a lot of turbulence at the surface of the tank is good because it helps with the gas exchange. This will not hurt snails. Try to avoid positioning the powerhead so that it sucks air and creates a lot of bubbles. I have my largest powerhead angled at the surface (about 45 degrees) from a depth of 10". The surface ripples directly above the path of the powerhead are about one inch high. I keep the water level down a couple of inches from the lip of the tank to avoid any overflow or splashing out. It is unlikely that you will end up with too much circulation in a reef tank. You just have to be careful not to point a powerhead directly at a coral from a few inches away. That is not good.