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New tank comming soon.......Questions.......
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Joined: January 30 2009
Location: Evanston WY
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    Posted: February 06 2009 at 3:57pm
I found a used system and I will have a tank, a skimmer, sump/refugiuim, pump, UV sterilizere, lights, live sand and live rock. I will also have 50% old salt water for the new tank.

What else do I need?
What do I need to test my water for before I add coral and fish? Nitrates and what?
What salt is best to use?

I know I need to wait to start adding coral and fish, I just want to make sure I have what I need.

Also what medications do I need for salt? Do salt water fish use the same meds as fresh?
What do I need to watch for?
Should I add snails and crabs now or wait? Do any of these belong in my refugiuim? What crabs are bad for corals?
Should I add critters and stuff to my refugiuim now?

I know I am asking alot of questions. Any help input otr advice would be greatly appreciated. Very Happy
210 gal Arowana tank

150 gal Gibberosa Moba tank

120 gal New World tank

90 gal Geo, Severum, Loach, Gar tank

90 gal Reef tank

65 gal Reef tank

95 gal Frag tank

and too many more
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Mark Peterson View Drop Down
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What else do I need?
Read this: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244

What do I need to test my water for before I add coral and fish? Nitrates and what?
Forget about testing Nitrates. Coral will tell you if those levels are good. See the reading above. Besides Temperature Salinity the next best things to test for are Alkalinity and Calcium

What salt is best to use?
Any mix is good, but some mixes come with elevated levels of Calcium, which isn't neccesary in a starter tank but whenever stony corals are involved that's a real help.

I know I need to wait to start adding coral and fish, I just want to make sure I have what I need.
Sorry but that's old school. There is no need to wait. See the reading above.

Also what medications do I need for salt? Do salt water fish use the same meds as fresh?
There are very few medications used or even needed in the reef aquarium. Some are commpletely forbidden because they can kill coral and the little invertebrate "bugs" that are so useful and necessary in a reef aquarium. The best "med" is not a med at all. It's a supplement. Garlic Oil. It's use is very simple. It prevents the Ich parasite. More later on that. The cure is prevention. Create a healthy environment and you will have success. If you follow the instructions and advice you receive here on this MB regarding setting up and maintaining a healthy tank you will not fail. And if you hear advice at the LFS (local fish store) bring it back here to verify it's accuracy.

What do I need to watch for?
Take note of coral polyp extension, algae growth and fish behavior. Skill in this area comes in time.

Should I add snails and crabs now or wait?
Read the thread linked above.

Do any of these belong in my refugiuim?
I add a crab and maybe a few sanils to the Refugium to keep it a little cleaned, but the best thing is to let the refugium grow what ever, (except some nusiance algae). That's it's job, to grow algae so it can be harvested, thus removing nutrients from the system.

What crabs are bad for corals?
Rock crabs

Should I add critters and stuff to my refugiuim now?
Macroalgae, Yes.   Anything else, No

Keep the questions coming.Smile




Edited by Mark Peterson - February 09 2009 at 12:28pm
Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:
www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244
Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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