New dummy here-help me please!

[dcr]

In a rush, I decide to buy a saltwater setup-only a 10 gallon for like a damsle or two and maybe a clownfish. I bought the marine gravel, instant ocean, an undergravel filter, a whisper waterfall style filter(but I heard I can't use it because it will filter the salt, true?), the hydrometer, and a live rock, 2 damsels, some small snails and small hermit crabs. I thought I rinsed the gravel enough, but my tank is very milky looking, and I have to get the fish in there before they die-any advice? Also, I have not added the instant ocean yet, I am trying to filter the water clear first. I bought the box that said 10 gallons, so I assume I put it all in for the 10 gallon tank, right?

 

[dcr]

Thanks, that was a great help. I have pure water in the tank, at the proper temperature waiting for salt and for it to clear-I could do all the research in the world, but some helpful anwers would help a hell of a lot more since I am in the situation. This is the "New Hobbyists" section, isn't it?

 

[keiko]

You really need to try and take the fish back for now if the store hasn't closed yet. If it just closed, call them while you're driving there and make them open the doors for you. If you just dump the salt into the tank, it's not going to dissolve properly and your fish likely won't survive. If you leave them in the bags, they likely won't survive. Snails and crabs: no chance.
You posted to ask for help, and that's what golfish was trying to do (believe it or not).

 

[ntvflgirl]

Well, I'm no expert...yet, in fact, I am very new to this as well. I would say not to wait for your water to clear. It can take up to a week. Go ahead and add the salt. I used about a half a cup per gallon of water, so about 5 cups for a 10 gallon tank. The reason golfish, who has helped me many times before, suggested taking the fish back is because your tank has to go through something called a "cycle", which will probably kill all the fish and other live things that you have. Maybe not the damsels, but it is a possibility. Cycling can take up to 6 weeks. I wish I had found this site before I started my tank, but I didn't. I have a 55 gallon, I put in the water and salt on a Wed. added 5 damsels on Saturday, and so far they are still alive, but I have a long way to go before my tank is finished cycling. It's only been up a couple of weeks. What type of gravel did you buy? Did you install the undergravel filter yet? If not, I would take that back. You don't need that at all. Maybe exchange it for a power head. Also, you should go ahead and decide now if you want a fish only tank, or if you want to maybe grow some soft corals, etc. It will save you lots of money in the long run if you decide now. You will spend more on your lighting, depending on what you are keeping in your tank than everything else put together. So my advice is probably along the same line as golfish's....take back the undergravel filter, the fish, and the crabs. Set up the tank with the salt water and filter that you have...I am assuming that filter is okay, someone else will have to answer that one though, and I would take back the fish, and the crabs as well. The crabs can definately not go through the cycling. Once you get your water cleared up, and you decide how you want to cycle your tank...you can use damsels, or a dead shrimp...(ask around on this board, and they'll tell you what to do with the shrimp) to get the ball rolling. This hobby is kind of a patience builder. The more patient you are in your setup, the more success you will have with the ongoing success of your tank, and the more money you will save. This board will answer any question you may have, or find someone who will. It is probably not a good idea to listen to the guys at the fish store, unless you've asked the same question here. There are alot of good people here who really care about the success of your tank. The guys at the fish store only want to sell you stuff. Good luck to you. I am sure an "oldtimer"(no offense) will be happy to give you any advice you may need, but it's kinda like someone has on their tag line..".you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink...are you a horse?" Welcome, and good luck.

 

[azrile]

I have to agree with everyone here, Get the fish back to the pet store. I can't believe someone would sell you fish at the same time you are buying a tank.
Take out the undergravel filter, you do not need it. You can keep the 'waterfall' filter, it is not bad.
You can start mixing the salt now. The best way to do it is to take a large pitcher, fill it halfway with water, then slowely add salt. put as much in as will disolve. then you can slowely pour that into the water that is in your tank. Take it slowely, you DO NOT want any solid salt in the bottom of your tank. Keep checking your hydrometer until it is 1.021-1.025
Now comes the fish and crabs. You can put them in the tank, but it will not be much different then just flushing them down the toilet right now. They have about the same chance to survive.
You will get ALOT of good advice on this board... some people will have different opinions on things, but one thing you will find is that everyone will tell you patience is the biggest part of this hobby. Don't rush anything, and try to do as much research (or ask questions), before you do something.
By the way, welcome to the boards

 

[arkman]

DCR - IMO this is a ll good advice, take the fish back and find a new store. They NEVER should have sold you that setup.
Cycle aside, the salt and water need to mix for a while before you can put ANYTHING in. Its a fairly complecated chemical process that takes "sterile" tap water to life sustaning "ocean" water.
If you dont care about killing everyting you put in the tank, at least think about the $$$ you'll be wasting.
If you are in a super hurry (bad idea) the only thing I'd reccomend is finding a good store and taking sand, water and live rock straight out of one of their tanks and filling your 10 gal in one shot. Youll still probabally cycle, but it will be shorter and you could start adding critters in a couple of weeks (instead of a couple of months).

 

[ntvflgirl]

One more thing to add...You may want to rethink the 10 gallon. In most everyone on this board's opinion, and I trust them mostly...a 10 gallon, or anything less than a 55 gallon, is actually more difficult to keep than a larger tank. Usually only very experienced salt water hobbyist keep 10 gallons as salt water tanks. Just an afterthought.

 

[ryebread]

Please let us know what store sold you fish at the same time as tank and equip. so we will not go there. I would try a different local fish store that will help you out a little better. Good luck.

 

[dcr]

This is my fourth tank, and along with my two parrots-my apartment can't handle a 55 gallon tank. The water is clearing, the salt level is ok and the temp is right-no casualities yet.

 

[azrile]

The problems will come in a few days when your ammonia spikes. We can hope they will be ok though.
Did you put the live rock in yet? how big was it?
I think you will be ok with a 10gallon. I'd just put at least 15llbs of live rock in there and once the tank cycles (about 2 months), then start doing water changes. You will probably have to do them fairly frequently. I don't think you can put more fish in though, if one of your damsels dies, it would probably be a good idea to wait til your tank cycles to add anything else. With a small tank, you will need to test your pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates more frequently because they will go crazy really quickly.
make sure you pick up an ammonia and nitrite test kits. Your ammonia will spike shortly, then it will gradually go down, as it is going down, your nitrites will climb. Both of these substances are toxic to fish. After a few months, your nitrites will begin to go down. When both your nitrites and ammonia are at 0, then your tank is cycled. Normally the best method is to wait til both are 0 to begin adding fish. Damsels are a very strong fish, and may survive the ammonia and nitrite spikes.
good luck

 

[robchuck]

What do you mean you have "pure water" in your tank? If you mean you are using RO/DI water (highly recommended), then you are definately taking a step in the right direction. If you are using tap water, then you at least want to remove the chlorine from the water. I 100% agree w/ Arkman in that you should return the fish and find a new store. LFS are in the business of making a profit, and will do whatever they can to drive a sale. Shop around for what you feel is a more trustworthy LFS. I would also consider purchasing a book, or reading around on the internet to further your knowledge.
Good luck in this fascinating hobby!

 

[robchuck]

I also want to advise that patience is the most important virtue in this hobby (other than a wallet stuffed w/ $1,000,000). Hang in there, take things slow, and before you know it, you will have a beautiful tank in front of your eyes (and after you have spent $100's to get it to that point!)

 

[dcr]

I have RO water in there. I am a little scared to use the filter on the Whisper power filter-won't it catch the salt? I have it running without the filter installed, and since the undergravel filter is already in there, I have that running too.

 

[arkman]

DCR - I'm not sure what you dont understand. You have started down a no win path here. Your critters will die.
Get more infromation (from this and other sites, and read a book or two). I started keeping SW reefs for almost 15 years ago, but have been out of the hobby for about 5. I'm not planning on adding ANYTHING to my tank for at least a week so the water can cycle, aerate and mix well with the salts - and I can catch up on the hobby. There is lots to learn here -- here's a hint - no one is reccomending a undergravel with live rock at this time. the UG needs good flow, and it wont work with the rock on top.

 

[azrile]

To answer your question. The filter will not remove the salt. the salt is disolved in the water, it cannot be mechanically removed. YOu are find using the waterfall filter. I would get the UG filter out as soon as possible.

 

[dcr]

I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens. Most people thought everything would be dead by now and things seem o.k. What is going to cause this gigantic and fatal ammonia spike that is going to kill everything by tomorrow? The entire bottom of my tank is not covered in live rock, maybe only 20% near the edge, so I don't see the harm in the undergravel filter. The Whisper power filter is absorbing salt, but I'm not sure if it could absorb enough to cause harm.

 

[arkman]

please let us know how it works out. Could be that we've all been doing the wrong thing for years!

 

[ntvflgirl]

the ammonia spike, which could actually last a few weeks, begins whenever the fish start to put waste into the water. I don't think it will happen as quickly as you think, but it definately is toxic to crabs and snails...the damsels may make it through. As for the underground filter, and whisper filter, I can only tell you that you are hearing it from seasoned pros. "To each his own"
Good luck

 

[dcr]

Update*
Nothing has died as of yet, and the salt has begun to drop a bit, so what is the best way to add?

 

[arkman]

your salinty has dropped? I think that's odd...
Pre mix in a bucket before you add to you tank...and go in small increments, its always easier to add than take away.