New to the HobbY & have A few questions

[lsvteccivic]

What's up everybody. Over the weekend i was Giving a 30 gallon Marine Tank. It came with 2 black and white damsel fish, 3 little puffers, a few hermit crabs , some rock crabs, a peppermint shrimp. This is my first time owning a salt water tank but i have owned a 55 gallon fresh water tank. I've Falling in Love with The fish Tank and i find myself wanting to add new fish daily. I've actually purchased a few. FIrst purchase was a coral shrimp which by the way is my favorite and a chocolate chip starfish. My questions are as followed. How often to i have to change the water. Currently i'm using 2 canister filters i believe and a water pump. I've been told that maybe i should purchase a protien skimmer? But not sure How they work and Do they take up much space in my little 30 gallon tank. I also see that the tank has algea growing on the front of the tanks bottom. What should i do about this? Also HOw Often should i feed the fish, I'm currently feeding them 3 times a day. SOme Wardley total color marine gourmet flake blend and some Freeze dried blood worms are those good selections for the type of fish i've mentioned owning? I apologize if i'm just goin on and on asking questions i'm just so eager to get Keep this tank Clean And Safe and enjoyable to Watch. If anybody could help me with my questions Feel Free to do so. Thank You for your time.
Marc

 

[daniel411]

First off, welcome to the boad!
Now, you might really want to hold off on adding any thing else to the aquarium. Alot of critters in saltwater are incompatible. In general you can't have a tank as heavily stocked as you could a freshwater. I'd highly recommend you pick up a good introductory book. "Conscientious Marine Aquarist " is well recommended as a first book, its sold on this site in the dry goods section.
What kind of canister filters are you useing? Is the water pump creating circulation within the tank? Are you familiar with testing for ph, salinity, temp, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate?
A protein skimmer is a great investment, often times considered mandatory. Before that though, I'd pick up a book and learn more. Generally a protein skimmer will take minimal space up inside your aquarium, and hang on the back.
Without does the algae look like thats growing in your tank?
I'd suggest you quickly try picking up some frozen foods; mysis or brine shrimp. Considered better nutritional value. Three times a day may be a bit much. No one probally can give you a clear idea on how much. Try cutting back, and see if you notice any difference in their behavior. Most people initially, over feed their tanks.
Thats awesome some one just gave you a tank!

 

[leopard_babe]

Water changes are different then they are in a fresh water tank. I also had a fresh. You should do a 20% water change every month. I do a 10% water change every two weeks. i have just set up my tank, and this has been woking for me. You should also use RO water in your tank instead of tap water.
Welcome to the world of saltwater!!!!!
Do be afraid to ask questions, that is one of the greatest ways to learn. this board has many knowledgable people that can help you.
Sarah

 

[beaslbob]

You have a lot of questions here but I will try to answer some.
skimmers, while very popular are optional.
Most people try to keep as much of the algae off their tanks as possible. I recommend adding plants to complete the nitrogen cycle and starve out the ugly algaes.
The starfish can attack other livestock. I finally hat to remove a green bahama because it eat one of my corals for instance.
Your filtration of two canister filters should be good enouth filtration.
I feed my fish once per day. If you have cloudy water or lotsa algae then you may want to cut back from three times per day.
In my experience I would recommend you just replace water that evaporates. Most don't agree with that.
Welcome to salt and I am glad you are enjoying your new tank.

 

[beaslbob]

You have a lot of questions here but I will try to answer some.
skimmers, while very popular are optional.
Most people try to keep as much of the algae off their tanks as possible. I recommend adding plants to complete the nitrogen cycle and starve out the ugly algaes.
The starfish can attack other livestock. I finally had to remove a green bahama starfish because it eat one of my corals for instance.
Your filtration of two canister filters should be good enough filtration.
I feed my fish once per day. If you have cloudy water or lotsa algae then you may want to cut back from three times per day.
In my experience I would recommend you just replace water that evaporates. Most don't agree with that.
Welcome to salt and I am glad you are enjoying your new tank.

 

[daniel411]

Oh, one more thing... don't listen to any just "one" person. Unless you really trust their grasp on the hobby. Everyone is still learning, this hobby is constantly changing with regards to how to do things, some things work for some people... but not others.
Agreed this site rocks, I've learned more from it than all the books I've picked up and read, and I have a pretty decent collection now. I even have alot of posts, but I'm still learning something new everyday I visit this board. Best of luck

 

[rolangunslinger]

Hello LsV,
Welcome to the boards, congrats on getting the free tank. WOW
I wish you the best of luck in this hobby and I have to say you have come to the right place for info.
I have learned more in these message boards in the last month than I have through 6 months of reading.
One thing, I am not positive but I think there could be problems with the puffers and the shrimp, I think the puffers might eat them but I might be incorrect. Someone please post on this if I am wrong.
Kevin
Once again, Welcome