Reef Maintence...Tip's and Trick's...

[sunfish]

I thought it would be fun to post a question on tips and trick’s people have developed to take care of their reef tanks. After reading some of these other posts I am sure there are some great ideas out there. For example:
I have found a great way to mix my salt water up and get it into my tank, which is 75 ft. away. I bought one of those submersible pumps used in ponds with a garden hose fitting on it. I then went to home depot (god I love that place) and got some of those quick connects for garden hose. I then fill a garbage can with 32 gallons of RO water; drop in a small heater and the pump with no hose attached.
I then add the appropriate amount of salt and let it mix for an hour, then take another trashcan and a short hose into the house next to the tank (again, home depot has a great cart with wheels for moving heavy trashcans…did I mention I love that place). I start to drain water out of the tank and at the same time run a loooong hose into the house and use the quick connect to hook it up to the pump outside. The water comes in perfect and I can use the hose to blow the debris off the rocks. You can just re-stir the garbage can next couple of times until you run out of water.
Now maybe all of you do this and I am just slow…it would not be the first time, but I am hoping for a fun exchange.
Thanks,
Sunfish

 

[barbh]

Hi, I'm new to reef tanks. Can't wait to see what others have to say. Like your idea for the water!!

 

[paulytee]

My tip & trick for reefs: READ< study, test water, read read read and some more reading! plus read plenty of advice/opinions and decuct from what you have read on this awesome board!!!
peace--- paulytee
oh yeah read some more....

 

[hermit enthusiast]

I must say that the best tip anyone ever gave me was to read, read, and read some more. That's the best way to improve yourself and apply what you learned to your tank to improve it. Hope this helps.
Peace

 

[thespook]

My advice is to check you water weekly.
When you get you fish (only one a month) take water to the LFS to have them test it. Its always good to have some one double check it.

 

[mithrax]

Take your time. Resist the urge to buy fish or equipments all at once. If you'll buy an equipment, buy the top of the line this way you'll save money and space (from the junks you'll accumulate upgrading). And wait for specials, you'll save from there too. In this hobby, aesthetics is the result of your knowledge in rearing those animals. So read as much as you can before venturing.