Brand NEW Hello!

[owen386]

Hey all,

Hope all is going well for everyone, just wanted to Say Hello. I have been looking around this site and realize how much great knowledge is shared and fell in love ("KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!") LMAO Anways Hope to be Talking to you all soon absolutely brand new to SW currently only Messin with FW Tanks. Thats Actually how I Accidently Decided to Go SW, I always new I wanted to eventually but just didn't think it was to be so soon, was looking at classifieds for new 50+ gal FW tank, and accidently stumbled upon an add for a 50 Gal 4 foot SW setup which was currently running and fell in loved so long story short this is what is currently running sitting in my living RM:

50 Gal 4ft by 20" high by 12" deep
Stand
Hood/light (100 watts)
200 watt heater
HOB Filter of some sort pretty Massive (Media looks like bio balls and carbon pads)
15lbs LR
20lbs Live sand
Hydrometer/Thermometer

asked her to return the fish to LFS as i Was afraid I would loose Them in move


So looking for any sorta of advice, feedback, critism, etc
I made the move pretty quick and kept all live rock/filter media etc in saltwater I filled the tank with tap water(treated of course) added salt to the tank as there was no Live Stock, let it all run filter heater etc..to mix real good a few hours and then added LR. Hydrometer 1 day later shows 1.024 What now? Pics soon phones dead right now

-Owen

 

[Waddi]

Welcome to the Reef!! :d
If you want corals, i would advise getting a new lighting system. You also need test kits (Ammonia, Nirtrates, Nitrites and high end pH), more live rock, (1lb or 2lb per gallon) get rid of the HOB filter, bioballs are not good in this hobby, create a lot of mess if not cleaned daily, so chuck em.
Dont use tap water, use RODI water, which is Reverse Osmosis De-Ionized water, tap water is also not advisable due to chemicals, like copper so on.
Read all of these articles:
https://www.livingreefs.com/basic-equipment-list-t19611.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/why-using-tap-water-bad-idea-t19865.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/marine-aquarium-disasters-and-prevent-them-t20514.html

I think that is it for the moment. Just read, so you can gain knowledge, and whatever you do, DONT add fish yet.

 

[ErinCahir]

Waddi's got you covered! Welcome to the site!

 

[little_fish]

Hello and Welcome!

I also suggest you read this article. Understanding, and keeping good water chemistry is the secret to being successful in this hobby.

https://www.livingreefs.com/water-chemistry-t31270.html

This will also talk about all the equipment you will need, and how to set up for tank for success.

 

[owen386]

Welcome to the Reef!! :d
If you want corals, i would advise getting a new lighting system. You also need test kits (Ammonia, Nirtrates, Nitrites and high end pH), more live rock, (1lb or 2lb per gallon) get rid of the HOB filter, bioballs are not good in this hobby, create a lot of mess if not cleaned daily, so chuck em.
Dont use tap water, use RODI water, which is Reverse Osmosis De-Ionized water, tap water is also not advisable due to chemicals, like copper so on.
Read all of these articles:
https://www.livingreefs.com/basic-equipment-list-t19611.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/why-using-tap-water-bad-idea-t19865.html
https://www.livingreefs.com/marine-aquarium-disasters-and-prevent-them-t20514.html

I think that is it for the moment. Just read, so you can gain knowledge, and whatever you do, DONT add fish yet.

Hey,

Thanks for quick response

Get Rid of HOB filter? and replace with what just more LR ? I dont want to go the Sump root as of right now. Was going to get a protein skimmer soon also HOB. Will also Evnetually get RODI maker but no funds right now have talked to few ppl around my way that have used Tap with success, so right now it has to be tap. Will not be adding fish anytime soon.

-Owen

 

[Smitty]

Welcome aboard...glad to have you.

 

[SeaBee]

Hello! How are ya? (I think you might have a 55 by the dimensions)

 

[coolhandgoose]

Hello welcome to the site!!

I think most people here have you covered.

I just want to echo the comments, get an RO/DI filter, ya they're expensive but will save you tons of grief down the road. Some people can get away with not using it but they're the exception to the rule.

Sounds like you're off to a good start and excellent idea taking the fish back to the store while you sort you're tank and equipment out!

 

[Bifferwine]

Welcome to the site Owen! I think you made a good choice by not taking the fish with the setup. That will allow you to build your tank more slowly and not have to be worried about killing anything from the start! :lol:

 

[owen386]

Can I use My Api Fresh Water master test kit to test for nitrite, nitrate, Ph ?? I assume not but would save me money if i could lol

-Owen

 

[Waddi]

On the colour code at the back does it say:

A- For Freshwater
B- For Saltwater
With different colors on each side??

But im pretty sure you cant if it doesnt have saltwater written anywheres on it.

 

[Bifferwine]

No, sorry -- you need test kits formulated for saltwater.

 

[coolhandgoose]

My API test kits came with both a freshwater and saltwater card so I would assume yours should as well.

 

[Waddi]

My API test kits came with both a freshwater and saltwater card so I would assume yours should as well.

Same here but the only one which wasnt for both was the Ammonia, it was only Fresh. Weird really.

 

[motorcyclereefer]

Welcome Owen!