New member here!

[salt noob]

Hi everyone!

A quick intro: as my name suggests I'm new to the salt world. I've wanted a salt tank for a long time now, and love to browse around the LFS that has mostly salt water, but I just never wanted to spend the money to start one up. I have a 10 gallon potted freshwater tank that's been running for several years so I'm not completely new to fish keeping. But now I'm thinking it may be time to add a salt tank. I have spent hours reading through threads with lots of great info for beginners, so I've learned a lot already, but I've still got some questions, hopefully not too many for one post. Keep in mind that I will most likely get one of the nanocube setups.
I'm guessing I will frequently test for nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and pH. Any other tests that I'll need?
I read that people overwhelmingly recommend a refractometer to measure salinity. Can you recommend a specific model that is a good value?
Once the tank is established, how often should I perform these tests?
My favorite LFS is really close to my home and they sell DI water (it's probably RO, but I'll need to double-check) for $0.25 a gallon. Will using this and mixing in salt be any better than using the salt water they sell for $0.75 per gallon? Which method will be cheaper?
My friend gave me a 3g eclipse system that's brand new, still in the box. Would I be able to use it as a QT tank?
Does a QT tank need to be kept running all the time, or can I just set it up when I anticipate needing it?
Can I use the fish net and vacuum that I use in my fresh water tank, or do I need a salt-dedicated set?
What other accessories will I need for maintenance aside from the hardware needed to run the tank?
What are some good websites I can shop at and use to compare prices with my LFS?
Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[bhfccsr198]

when testing test for salinity ph nitrates and amonia unless you doing a reef which then you be testing for a ton of other things
refractometers are a good tool but not a necc i have have had a salt tank for about 4 years and never had one and my lfs which has a ton of reef tanks along with other tanks doesnt have any
i would say before investing all that money in water get ya fresh water test kit and check your home water but if you decide to go with rodi water from lfs then i would just do the water because with a nano you can buy a small bag of salt and it will go a long way
im not shore about the whole quarinten thing never had one
with the fish net i would get one just dedicated to salt water but gravel vac you can use on both systems
look i would also save ya self some money in long run n i would go out and but the ten or 20 gallon tank and not get a premade nano because they cost to much money email me at jsodonnelljr@aol.com for any more questions if needed

 

[rcoultas]

The frequency of testing will depend on the size of the tank - initially you will need to test it daily since an ammonia spike can be deadly. The larger the system the easier it is to maintain the water parameters. Once the tank is established you test once or twice a week (again depending on the size and the bioload)
If you have corals, inverts, or are particular about your live rock you should at least have a calcium and alkalinity test. That will be plenty for starters(in addition to what you listed).
pre-mixed water... depends on what type of salt they are using - generic or something good like reef crystals? Also do you need to save that bit of labor? It's cheaper to mix your own and doesn't require gas to go get more

It is better to run a QT continuously.
Do not use the same equipment you use from the FW as you may transfer unwanted disease etc harmful to the SWF
As far as websites - this forum does not allow posting of other websites but for accessories you can google the particular items you are questioning and find typical retail prices.
HTH - welcome

 

[sepulatian]

Welcome to SWF!!!!
I'm guessing I will frequently test for nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and pH. Any other tests that I'll need?
You will also have to test for calcium if you are doing a reef tank. If you have PH fluctuations then you would have to test your alkalinity, which is the waters buffering capicity or the ability to hold the ph stable. You will also need a thermometer. There are other tests such as phosphate or copper tests but they are not needed yet.
I read that people overwhelmingly recommend a refractometer to measure salinity. Can you recommend a specific model that is a good value?
Yes, you will need a refrctometer. Hydrometers, unless you buy a glass lab grade one, are useless. The readings are very far from accurate. If you google refractometer you will be able to find one for around $50
My favorite LFS is really close to my home and they sell DI water (it's probably RO, but I'll need to double-check) for $0.25 a gallon. Will using this and mixing in salt be any better than using the salt water they sell for $0.75 per gallon? Which method will be cheaper?
I would mix my own.
My friend gave me a 3g eclipse system that's brand new, still in the box. Would I be able to use it as a QT tank?
Does a QT tank need to be kept running all the time, or can I just set it up when I anticipate needing it?
If you are setting up a nano tank then the three gallon will work. It is best to keep it running, but you can also store some sponge material in your tank to be used as biological filtration, but we can talk about that later.
Can I use the fish net and vacuum that I use in my fresh water tank, or do I need a salt-dedicated set?
Yes you can. No FW disease can live in saltwater. They are very different. You may want to give them a cleaning with white vinegar first though.
We cannot post links to other websites on here, it is against the rules of these forums. We can help you with whatever information, besides links, that you need though.

 

[salt noob]

Good stuff guys, and quick responses too.

bhfccsr198, why do you say it's cheaper to not get a pre-made tank? From what I found so far, it seems that would be a cheaper way to get up and running. I've also been looking for used ones in the hope that I might find one for a great price.

 

[bhfccsr198]

well you can go out and but a standard tank like 10 20 or what ever size and get a hagen aqua clear and make a good fuge and use that as your filtration no skimmer and get ya self a decent light and your good to go that what i did and it cost me about 120 total

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by bhfccsr198
well you can go out and but a standard tank like 10 20 or what ever size and get a hagen aqua clear and make a good fuge and use that as your filtration no skimmer and get ya self a decent light and your good to go that what i did and it cost me about 120 total
Hm, I wouldn't go this route. You will still need a skimmer and filtration. A very seasoned tank can run on pumps alone but that takes years to accomplish.

 

[salt noob]

Originally Posted by bhfccsr198
well you can go out and but a standard tank like 10 20 or what ever size and get a hagen aqua clear and make a good fuge and use that as your filtration no skimmer and get ya self a decent light and your good to go that what i did and it cost me about 120 total
That's cheap! What kind of lighting were you able to get for that?
Originally Posted by sepulatian
Hm, I wouldn't go this route. You will still need a skimmer and filtration. A very seasoned tank can run on pumps alone but that takes years to accomplish.
I thought many people were running biocubes without protein skimmers.

 

[bhfccsr198]

I Had A Out Orbit Power Compact 40 Watt On A 10 Gallon And A Aqua Clear 110 On It And About 15 Lbs Of Live Rock And 4 Or Five Of Live Sand And It Was Perfect