How does My kit look so far?

[pete159]

I'm trying to plan a saltwater tank, 8 gallon.
this is what I have picked out so far, what are some other things i'll need?,
I want a reef and coral and and plant and fish tank, full of everything with tons of color and a big cleaning crew.
Instant Ocean 50 Gallon Salt Mix
$ 21.99
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter
$ 69.99
Instant Ocean Hydrometer
$ 19.99
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Master Test Kit
$ 29.99
Aquarium Systems Maxi-Jet 400 Power Head 106 G.P.H.
$ 24.99
Tronic Heater 50 Watt
$ 29.99
Oceanic Bio Cube 8 Gallon
$ 249.99
Subtotal: $ 461.92 CAD
Shipping: $ 13.48 CAD
Tax: $ 66.56 CAD
Total: $ 541.96 CAD

 

[jojo_b]

What type of substrate are you considering?
I'd also suggest a refractometer rather than the hydrometer because of ease of use.

 

[mushroomss]

i would go with live sand for your substrate

 

[pete159]

yup ill be using live rock and live sand for sure, as much as the tank will handle, as well as live plants.
So I changed the list a bit, what else will i need before live stock and rock and sand.
Originally Posted by mushroomss
i would go with live sand for your substrate

 

[robbberto]

I like the Oceanic nano cube but I'm sad to say that it does not have a fan to keep the water from heating up. If you do buy that particular cube, do some reaserch because they go for 149.99. if you like more info on it and where to buy it e-mail me robe1st@msn.com I personally prefer the aquapod 12 because it has a fan to discipate heat.
BTW you probably wont need the gravel cleaner. if it's for a saltwater setup

 

[pete159]

Hi rob.
well the issue is that i live in canada, and most USA stores that have a nice selection don't ship here, or the import and tax is to much. So if you know a seller who will ship as a gift, or if you know of anyone who will ship me some things after getting the from a usa store then let me know.
I'll look into the aquapod.

 

[mushroomss]

all you need to start your tank if your gonna get a 8 gallon is 8-10 pounds of live rock about 7-9 pounds of live sand and 8 gallons of water.put the rocks in first then the water.take your bag of live sand and leave it closed.put it at the bottom of your tank and open it then slowly shake out the sand.doing it like this will keep your base rock from falling if you get any critters that dig caves and you wont have a bad sand storm.Once you do all this wait until you water paremeters stay constant.(This is called cycling your tank)This can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months you have to be patient.ammonia 0 nitrate 0 nitrite 0 and ph 8.3 people say 8.2 is better but 8.3 is the oceans ph :thinking: .sorry for the lengthy reply.hope this helps!
p.s.Forgot to mention not to do any water changes until the tank is done cycling.

 

[mushroomss]

yes do not buy the gravel cleaner.When you have a saltwater tank with live sand ''LIVE'' means what it says.it is crawling with microscopic critters and bacteria.You never wanna kick up the sand in your tank it will release nitrates and ammonia.just a good tip

 

[mushroomss]

Forgot to mention,once your tank is fully cycled then it is ok to add critters,coral or whatever else you prefer.If you must have something in the tank while it is cycling go buy a cleanup crew like 2 hermiet crabs,2 nassarius snails,and 2 cerith snails.They are fun to watch and cleanup your tank.The cycling wont hurt them at all so dont worry!

 

[pete159]

thanks for the info, 24 :happyfish
24 is to big though it has to be 7-9, and as much of an all in one kit as possible. Also I like having all the gagets I'll need before I ad live rock and stuff. No gravel cleaner, good idea :jumping: , I just thought there might be to much gunk sometimes that should be sucked up.
As for live rock what are people's faverate's on this page, http://www.aquacon.com/liverock2.html

 

[mushroomss]

get the ultra premium fiji rock.as for posting links,dont do it on this website as they will remove it or your account.if your lookin for an all in one system check out nano cube,cubemaster,or aquapod, they all make self contained cubes that are sweet.i have a 24 gallon nano and a 12 gallon cubemaster frag tank.They work great!

 

[royal gang]

dont take this harshly, but i got the same for a 47 gallon aquarium...including the stand...but dont worry, nanos are easier to maintain and get filled with corals and fish quickly, which meens it's more beautiful

:joy: