new at this
- Thread starter cody2993
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xcali1985
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by cody2993 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493526
so i would like to start my first saltwater tank. this is all new to me. what would be the best deal when getting saltwater to fill the tank? could i use tap and add the salt and wait? or would it be better to buy RO water from the store and ass the salt?
- First I would say purchase a TDS Meter and calibration solution for it. A simple handheld one is fine, just make sure its calibrated. You never know if your store is selling you true RO water. I personally only use RODI water which is filters through a resin that removes all the left over TDS that remains after the RO membrane. Most ROs are rated at 98% removal or somewhere near that.
- Secondly you will need a refractometer and calibration solution for this also. This is used to determine your salt mix saturation in the RODI water. Once calibrated it is quick and easy to check.
- If you have ever experimented with real ocean water, then you would know that it comes in at different levels and the levels of trace elements in the water vary also. The best way to keep your tank as close to steady as possible is to mix your own. Select a brand you like and a salinity that you like I prefer 35ppt or 1.025 specific gravity. I run a reef. Swimmers can run lower.
Hope this helps..
Originally Posted by cody2993 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493526
so i would like to start my first saltwater tank. this is all new to me. what would be the best deal when getting saltwater to fill the tank? could i use tap and add the salt and wait? or would it be better to buy RO water from the store and ass the salt?
- First I would say purchase a TDS Meter and calibration solution for it. A simple handheld one is fine, just make sure its calibrated. You never know if your store is selling you true RO water. I personally only use RODI water which is filters through a resin that removes all the left over TDS that remains after the RO membrane. Most ROs are rated at 98% removal or somewhere near that.
- Secondly you will need a refractometer and calibration solution for this also. This is used to determine your salt mix saturation in the RODI water. Once calibrated it is quick and easy to check.
- If you have ever experimented with real ocean water, then you would know that it comes in at different levels and the levels of trace elements in the water vary also. The best way to keep your tank as close to steady as possible is to mix your own. Select a brand you like and a salinity that you like I prefer 35ppt or 1.025 specific gravity. I run a reef. Swimmers can run lower.
Hope this helps..
flower
Well-Known Member
Hi,
Welcome to the site! First purchase is a good beginner book. I went with "Saltwater aquariums for dummies" and Robert Ferners " The conscientious Aquarist"
At the top of New Hobbist section is 101 tips for starting a SW tank. Once you have the basics it will be easier to understand what we are talking about, and prompt you to ask the right questions. Most times it's what you didn't know to ask about, that creates a problem.
The books explain equipment and what they do, and about cycling and what is going on. We are right here to help you every step of the way and we are glad to help.
LOL...Sorry Xcali, the first thing you need is a fish tank, decide on the kind of fish you would like to keep. Then purchase a tank and equipment as that type of critter needs for survival. A refractometer is not an absolute need. I used a hydrometer for 10 years before I ever had one. I didn't use a TDS meter until I started using my own RO unit instead of going to the grocery store to purchase RO water.
A great beginner size is 55g to 75g....the smaller the tank the harder it will be to maintain.
Welcome to the site! First purchase is a good beginner book. I went with "Saltwater aquariums for dummies" and Robert Ferners " The conscientious Aquarist"
At the top of New Hobbist section is 101 tips for starting a SW tank. Once you have the basics it will be easier to understand what we are talking about, and prompt you to ask the right questions. Most times it's what you didn't know to ask about, that creates a problem.
The books explain equipment and what they do, and about cycling and what is going on. We are right here to help you every step of the way and we are glad to help.
LOL...Sorry Xcali, the first thing you need is a fish tank, decide on the kind of fish you would like to keep. Then purchase a tank and equipment as that type of critter needs for survival. A refractometer is not an absolute need. I used a hydrometer for 10 years before I ever had one. I didn't use a TDS meter until I started using my own RO unit instead of going to the grocery store to purchase RO water.
A great beginner size is 55g to 75g....the smaller the tank the harder it will be to maintain.
xcali1985
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493539
Hi,
Welcome to the site! First purchase is a good beginner book. I went with "Saltwater aquariums for dummies" and Robert Ferners " The conscientious Aquarist"
At the top of New Hobbist section is 101 tips for starting a SW tank. Once you have the basics it will be easier to understand what we are talking about, and prompt you to ask the right questions. Most times it's what you didn't know to ask about, that creates a problem.
The books explain equipment and what they do, and about cycling and what is going on. We are right here to help you every step of the way and we are glad to help.
LOL...Sorry Xcali, the first thing you need is a fish tank, decide on the kind of fish you would like to keep. Then purchase a tank and equipment as that type of critter needs for survival. A refractometer is not an absolute need. I used a hydrometer for 10 years before I ever had one. I didn't use a TDS meter until I started using my own RO unit instead of going to the grocery store to purchase RO water.
A great beginner size is 55g to 75g....the smaller the tank the harder it will be to maintain.
I was simply answering the questions that were presented. I also say a refractometer is not a must, but one thing I learned in this hobby is that if your going to purchase something buy the right equipment the first time. If a refractometer cost 40$ and a hydrometer cost 10$ when you upgrade and buy the second one then your total cost increases.
As for the TDS meter, there is a local fish store here in Vegas that told me that he doesnt change his Filters or DI resin until the TDS coming out of the DI is above 10. Well my water coming direct from my RO is only 3 TDS so how is he getting 10 after DI resin. I just don't trust anyone. Plus without aa TDS they could be selling you treated tap water.
As far as getting beginner information, then yes I would say purchase the books mentioned above. However, like I said, I was just answering the questions presented by the OP.
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493539
Hi,
Welcome to the site! First purchase is a good beginner book. I went with "Saltwater aquariums for dummies" and Robert Ferners " The conscientious Aquarist"
At the top of New Hobbist section is 101 tips for starting a SW tank. Once you have the basics it will be easier to understand what we are talking about, and prompt you to ask the right questions. Most times it's what you didn't know to ask about, that creates a problem.
The books explain equipment and what they do, and about cycling and what is going on. We are right here to help you every step of the way and we are glad to help.
LOL...Sorry Xcali, the first thing you need is a fish tank, decide on the kind of fish you would like to keep. Then purchase a tank and equipment as that type of critter needs for survival. A refractometer is not an absolute need. I used a hydrometer for 10 years before I ever had one. I didn't use a TDS meter until I started using my own RO unit instead of going to the grocery store to purchase RO water.
A great beginner size is 55g to 75g....the smaller the tank the harder it will be to maintain.
I was simply answering the questions that were presented. I also say a refractometer is not a must, but one thing I learned in this hobby is that if your going to purchase something buy the right equipment the first time. If a refractometer cost 40$ and a hydrometer cost 10$ when you upgrade and buy the second one then your total cost increases.
As for the TDS meter, there is a local fish store here in Vegas that told me that he doesnt change his Filters or DI resin until the TDS coming out of the DI is above 10. Well my water coming direct from my RO is only 3 TDS so how is he getting 10 after DI resin. I just don't trust anyone. Plus without aa TDS they could be selling you treated tap water.
As far as getting beginner information, then yes I would say purchase the books mentioned above. However, like I said, I was just answering the questions presented by the OP.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xcali1985 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493559
I was simply answering the questions that were presented. I also say a refractometer is not a must, but one thing I learned in this hobby is that if your going to purchase something buy the right equipment the first time. If a refractometer cost 40$ and a hydrometer cost 10$ when you upgrade and buy the second one then your total cost increases.
As for the TDS meter, there is a local fish store here in Vegas that told me that he doesnt change his Filters or DI resin until the TDS coming out of the DI is above 10. Well my water coming direct from my RO is only 3 TDS so how is he getting 10 after DI resin. I just don't trust anyone. Plus without aa TDS they could be selling you treated tap water.
As far as getting beginner information, then yes I would say purchase the books mentioned above. However, like I said, I was just answering the questions presented by the OP.
You didn't give any bad advice, and you answered the questions just fine. I didn't mean to insult you, and I am so sorry if I did....your answers were right on target. It's very true that commercial RO centers (grocery stores) do not worry about TDS until is above 10...under 10 is considered good. When we have our own RO units we do keep a better quality of water, and a TDS meter is needed to make sure our home units are at the top proformance and not in need of a filter change. One thing for sure....never use tap water....it has all kinds of junk in it fish don't need, such as fluoride.
Just starting out is stressful enough to try and get things straight and the cost would scare many away. A $50.00 refractometer is quite a bit more than paying $6.00 for an hydrometer. The cost however is not the problem, and I totally agree with you to get the good stuff right off is always the way to go. The biggest problem is that to date, I haven't found a single fish store that carries them, they have to be ordered on-line. If I had not found this site I would never have even heard of one.
Keeping the tank consistant is key. So if your hydrometer matches the water change tubs water...you are good to go and they have a safe zone all marked. Keeping the hydromater rinsed in good warm water will prevent the arm from sticking. Now, if you fish have Ich and you need to do hypo for treatment...you absolutly must have a refractometer.
I said "LOL..sorry Xcali" because I was being silly saying the tank is first. I only added the info on the tank size because lots of new beginners think bigger is harder and actually when it comes to SW tanks it is the opposite.
Originally Posted by Xcali1985 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493559
I was simply answering the questions that were presented. I also say a refractometer is not a must, but one thing I learned in this hobby is that if your going to purchase something buy the right equipment the first time. If a refractometer cost 40$ and a hydrometer cost 10$ when you upgrade and buy the second one then your total cost increases.
As for the TDS meter, there is a local fish store here in Vegas that told me that he doesnt change his Filters or DI resin until the TDS coming out of the DI is above 10. Well my water coming direct from my RO is only 3 TDS so how is he getting 10 after DI resin. I just don't trust anyone. Plus without aa TDS they could be selling you treated tap water.
As far as getting beginner information, then yes I would say purchase the books mentioned above. However, like I said, I was just answering the questions presented by the OP.
You didn't give any bad advice, and you answered the questions just fine. I didn't mean to insult you, and I am so sorry if I did....your answers were right on target. It's very true that commercial RO centers (grocery stores) do not worry about TDS until is above 10...under 10 is considered good. When we have our own RO units we do keep a better quality of water, and a TDS meter is needed to make sure our home units are at the top proformance and not in need of a filter change. One thing for sure....never use tap water....it has all kinds of junk in it fish don't need, such as fluoride.
Just starting out is stressful enough to try and get things straight and the cost would scare many away. A $50.00 refractometer is quite a bit more than paying $6.00 for an hydrometer. The cost however is not the problem, and I totally agree with you to get the good stuff right off is always the way to go. The biggest problem is that to date, I haven't found a single fish store that carries them, they have to be ordered on-line. If I had not found this site I would never have even heard of one.
Keeping the tank consistant is key. So if your hydrometer matches the water change tubs water...you are good to go and they have a safe zone all marked. Keeping the hydromater rinsed in good warm water will prevent the arm from sticking. Now, if you fish have Ich and you need to do hypo for treatment...you absolutly must have a refractometer.
I said "LOL..sorry Xcali" because I was being silly saying the tank is first. I only added the info on the tank size because lots of new beginners think bigger is harder and actually when it comes to SW tanks it is the opposite.
xcali1985
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493570
You didn't give any bad advice, and you answered the questions just fine. I didn't mean to insult you, and I am so sorry if I did....your answers were right on target. It's very true that commercial RO centers (grocery stores) do not worry about TDS until is above 10...under 10 is considered good. When we have our own RO units we do keep a better quality of water, and a TDS meter is needed to make sure our home units are at the top proformance and not in need of a filter change. One thing for sure....never use tap water....it has all kinds of junk in it fish don't need, such as fluoride.
Just starting out is stressful enough to try and get things straight and the cost would scare many away. A $50.00 refractometer is quite a bit more than paying $6.00 for an hydrometer. The cost however is not the problem, and I totally agree with you to get the good stuff right off is always the way to go. The biggest problem is that to date, I haven't found a single fish store that carries them, they have to be ordered on-line. If I had not found this site I would never have even heard of one.
Keeping the tank consistant is key. So if your hydrometer matches the water change tubs water...you are good to go and they have a safe zone all marked. Keeping the hydromater rinsed in good warm water will prevent the arm from sticking. Now, if you fish have Ich and you need to do hypo for treatment...you absolutly must have a refractometer.
I said "LOL..sorry Xcali" because I was being silly saying the tank is first. I only added the info on the tank size because lots of new beginners think bigger is harder and actually when it comes to SW tanks it is the opposite.
All is good, I didn't take it as an insult.
I've been around these forums for a while.
None of my LFS carry refractometers either it's a shame, because once one is calibrated they are very very easy to use. There is an online site that sells one with a digital read out. Expensive but it doesn't get any easier than that.
To the OP what kind of tank are you planning on running?
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493570
You didn't give any bad advice, and you answered the questions just fine. I didn't mean to insult you, and I am so sorry if I did....your answers were right on target. It's very true that commercial RO centers (grocery stores) do not worry about TDS until is above 10...under 10 is considered good. When we have our own RO units we do keep a better quality of water, and a TDS meter is needed to make sure our home units are at the top proformance and not in need of a filter change. One thing for sure....never use tap water....it has all kinds of junk in it fish don't need, such as fluoride.
Just starting out is stressful enough to try and get things straight and the cost would scare many away. A $50.00 refractometer is quite a bit more than paying $6.00 for an hydrometer. The cost however is not the problem, and I totally agree with you to get the good stuff right off is always the way to go. The biggest problem is that to date, I haven't found a single fish store that carries them, they have to be ordered on-line. If I had not found this site I would never have even heard of one.
Keeping the tank consistant is key. So if your hydrometer matches the water change tubs water...you are good to go and they have a safe zone all marked. Keeping the hydromater rinsed in good warm water will prevent the arm from sticking. Now, if you fish have Ich and you need to do hypo for treatment...you absolutly must have a refractometer.
I said "LOL..sorry Xcali" because I was being silly saying the tank is first. I only added the info on the tank size because lots of new beginners think bigger is harder and actually when it comes to SW tanks it is the opposite.
All is good, I didn't take it as an insult.
I've been around these forums for a while.None of my LFS carry refractometers either it's a shame, because once one is calibrated they are very very easy to use. There is an online site that sells one with a digital read out. Expensive but it doesn't get any easier than that.
To the OP what kind of tank are you planning on running?
pezenfuego
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by cody2993 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493526
so i would like to start my first saltwater tank. this is all new to me. what would be the best deal when getting saltwater to fill the tank? could i use tap and add the salt and wait? or would it be better to buy RO water from the store and ass the salt?
It depends what you want to do. Buying RO water from the store and adding salt is a good option, but eventually it might be a good (and cost effective) idea to invest in a RO/DI filter for your home. Tap water is a bad idea in general. It throws off your levels and often has nutrients in it that algae love to gobble up.
Originally Posted by cody2993 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493526
so i would like to start my first saltwater tank. this is all new to me. what would be the best deal when getting saltwater to fill the tank? could i use tap and add the salt and wait? or would it be better to buy RO water from the store and ass the salt?
It depends what you want to do. Buying RO water from the store and adding salt is a good option, but eventually it might be a good (and cost effective) idea to invest in a RO/DI filter for your home. Tap water is a bad idea in general. It throws off your levels and often has nutrients in it that algae love to gobble up.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by REEFR http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493670
GO BIG OR GO HOME!
???????
Originally Posted by REEFR http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493670
GO BIG OR GO HOME!
???????
reefr
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493736
???????
bigger the tank, the better!
Originally Posted by Flower http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3493736
???????
bigger the tank, the better!
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by cody2993 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3494076
well i got my 55g tank today! is it bad that the tank hangs over my table about two inches on each end?
Hi,
I'm afraid so...the tank is going to be so heavy, much more so than a FW tank...You need a good solid stand, not a table. The legs of a table are not designed hold that kind of weight. A 55g tank with nothing but water weighs...625lbs according to All glass aquariums, then you add the sand, the rock...it will be near 800lbs at least.
Originally Posted by cody2993 http:///t/393019/new-at-this#post_3494076
well i got my 55g tank today! is it bad that the tank hangs over my table about two inches on each end?
Hi,
I'm afraid so...the tank is going to be so heavy, much more so than a FW tank...You need a good solid stand, not a table. The legs of a table are not designed hold that kind of weight. A 55g tank with nothing but water weighs...625lbs according to All glass aquariums, then you add the sand, the rock...it will be near 800lbs at least.
