Aquariums

[likwid]

Originally Posted by teaser

Likwid, not that much to do for start up. just get crushed coral 2-3" for the bottom. Get a decent pump - I use a Fluval 300, add uplift tubes, rocks, heater, fill with sea water, toss in about 10 mumpers to cycle the tank and after 6-8 weeks ... you're done! Get the fish you like and they're happy campers in the tank. After the water level goes down about 5 gallons just get some more sea water and toss it in, after the tank cycles it takes alot to kill it. If you do start a tank for fish, don't try anything under 50 gallons because you'll be limited on how many fish you can put in there. Go for it! My new grand daughter just loves mine, it's the best babysitter in the world.

Thanks for the advice, I've always heard to go BIG on saltwater tanks as not only can you keep a good number of fish but you don't get any rapid salinity/temp changes that aren't manageable.

[Team Rock On]

"After the water level goes down about 5 gallons just get some more sea water and toss it in"

You need to replace evaporated water with fresh water. The salt doesn't evaporate.

[LT. DAN 2]

I will usually take 5 gallons out and add 5 new with about a cup of well water (no chemicals) to allow for evaporation and rainfall.

[danno1]

Don`t you have trouble keeping the tank cold ? Even with "air" in the house, the tank temps are warmer than in the house, because of the motor and lights.

[teaser]

Originally Posted by danno1

Don`t you have trouble keeping the tank cold ? Even with "air" in the house, the tank temps are warmer than in the house, because of the motor and lights.

I only use lights at night or when company "must see" the tank, but I do occasionally leave a light on while it's a dark day outside. I only light the attinic light on those occasions though ...no white lights. The pump I use stores under the fish tanks stand inside the cabinet so there is no heat problem from that, I used to use a trickle filter but they were just too distractiong on those "quiet" nights.

[teaser]

Originally Posted by Team Rock On

"After the water level goes down about 5 gallons just get some more sea water and toss it in"

You need to replace evaporated water with fresh water. The salt doesn't evaporate.

The amount of salt you lose with the water evaporation is just about equal in ppm (parts per million) so there really is no need to add fresh water, been working for me like this for over 15 years with no problem.