just got my tank (II)

[mandy]

The setup I referred to earlier is a 55gal.
w/ large filter of the type where the H2o
runs through a foam type thing on the back
of the tank. It also has a Rena Cal Excel
300wt heater, a biological (?) filter w/ sand
and 2 powerheads to direct flow. The guy that
sold it took all the original water out and
brought it to my house. The tank contains
1 3"-3 1/2" yellow tang, 3 blue damsels
about 1 1/2" and something he called a
hawaiian half moon(?), also the anemone.
All I have done to the tank so far is add
some water to it. He told us to do a 25%
water change every 2 weeks. I'm not sure
about the lighting, but I think it's pretty
basic. I know it's not halide. The fish eat
freeze dried krill, tetra marine flakes,
sweetwater brand daphnia and marine pellets.
I have recieved many different opinions on
how and when to feed the fish, but my tang
got very thin looking so I've been feeding
them all they can eat in 5min. time. Also,
I have placed 2 freeze dried krill on the
anemone in the last 7 days and it "eats"
them immediately. Am I doing this right, or
is there more to it? I also have been checking specific gravity w/ a hydrometer
every other day.

 

[bobsingh1]

You must test your water for a few days for ammonia, ph, nitrites and nitrates. Ideal ph for saltwater fish is 8.2. Ammonia and nitrites should remain zero at all times. Nitrates should remain below 40. Get a kit from your local pet store and test it out. It should not cost more than $18. How much is your specific gravity ? Safe is between 1.019 and 1.024. Ideal is 1.022
I would also highly recommend a good protein skimmer (not air driven) if you don't have one.