New to saltwater - help needed!

[jaymes785]

Ok, so I'll try to do without a glass top and add a refractometer to the list. Where can I get one for $40, and what's a good model? I have a cat, so I may have to get a top if she seems too interested in the tank. She seems to ignore them generally, unless she's thirsty. I have decided to go with the Sundial (with the individual reflectors) instead of the Nova Extreme. I'm hoping to find one used. For my check book's sake, I will probably just use a normal 24" flourescent light strip for a couple months. I will only have fish for now anyways. Is that alright? I'm definatly going to buy the remora skimmer used - I've seen plenty for cheap. Which Koralias (1,2,3,4) should I get? One or two?
I'm thinking I'll use my 28 gallon bowfront as my salt tank. I'll still buy a 20 gallon high and move my freshies into it. That just gives me a couple more gallons to work with and a better footprint for putting my live rock in.

 

[crazy4reefs]

I have a cat that likes to drink out of my fresh water tank, he tried to drink out of my salt water tank but I dont think he liked it very much, he hasnt tried since that one time!
as far as the lights go as long as you dont have any corals in your tank you dont need the high power lighting. It will take a little longer for the purple coraline to form on your l/r but it will happen over time. We are not allowed to post other online stores on this site so for the refractometer I would suggest you google it. when you find some that you are interested in you can post about the brand and ohter info and I am sure some people will help you out. I got mine from my lfs so I didnt have to pay for shipping. As for the Koralias power heads I have a 20 gal reef tank and I use 2 of the #1 power heads and they do a great job, my tank has plenty of flow.
One concern about using your fresh water tank for your salt water tank is have you ever medicated the tank, especially med's that have copper in them. from what I have often read the copper can get into the epoxy that keeps the glass together for a long time then can leach into your water. copper can killl snails and crabs pretty much any kind of invert I believe so its very important that you never used in it your tank. Hope this has helped, good luck

 

[kandiman1224]

how in the world do you add photos to the posts

 

[jaymes785]

Originally Posted by crazy4reefs
http:///forum/post/2737364
One concern about using your fresh water tank for your salt water tank is have you ever medicated the tank, especially med's that have copper in them. from what I have often read the copper can get into the epoxy that keeps the glass together for a long time then can leach into your water. copper can killl snails and crabs pretty much any kind of invert I believe so its very important that you never used in it your tank. Hope this has helped, good luck
I don't think I would have considered that... thanks for the reminder. I've never used anything on the tank except water conditioner (only used it once or twice), and never any meds. I'll have to keep that in mind in the future though.