Water: Initial set up

SquidHC · 02/18/2007, 02:36 AM

Ok so Im getting to the point where things are set up and I think Im ready to get some water in my tank. So whats the steps here? I have been reading all over tonight looking for a "how to" and have just found really random stuff. I have no clue what Im doing at this point, other than what I have been reading and just want to get some water in my tank. Any links to good information would be much appreciated.

TekCat · 02/18/2007, 02:54 AM

It is rather simple, but without having it done before it might seem like a big step.

Since you do not have sump, it simplifies things. First fill the tank with tap water. Let it sit for 24 hours, check for leaks. If everything checks out, drain it, let it dry. Then you are ready to fill it with premixed salt water.

KeepOnReefin · 02/18/2007, 03:11 AM

http://saltaquarium.about.com/

Water quality is the most important ipart of saltwater aquarium. Put a lot of effort into supplying your tank with good quality water. Dont use tap water. Some successfully use it but most say bad things about it. Put some money into buying a ro/di system. You can find good products for cheap from the sponsors. Some offer RC discounts. RO water is much better to drink anyhow.

Another option is to get water from the LFS... and then thinking about brewing it yourself.
If these choices are not possible, go down the road to Walmart and use the Culligan Reverse Osmosis water. Transfer the water in 5 gallon jugs. Or if you are adding a lot of water fill large storing tupperwares which you will later use for work buckets.

When first adding water you need to add saltwater. You can either buy saltwater from the LFS or mix it yourself. If you are mixing it yourself you need to go to the pet store and buy aquarium sea salt. While you are there buy a hydrometer, test kit, some sand and live rock.. Buy enough to suite the size of your tank. How many gallons is your tank? Also look into the selling forum as there are times when people in your area are selling used goods. For example: lighting, skimmer, powerheads, equipment, sand, liverock etc.

You need the hydrometer to check the tanks specific gravity. You need a test kit to keep track of the tanks cylce. Research more on this info as there is tons out there. Spend some time around here. You will have much gratitude for the info you will learn. Good Luck!

KeepOnReefin · 02/18/2007, 03:13 AM

good call! after all that.... check for leaks first.. hehe..

loves saltwater · 02/18/2007, 07:53 AM

If you want to start a tank this will answer alot of question.This reading is a must !

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1038919

02/18/2007, 02:36 AM	#1
SquidHC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon, USA Posts: 840	Water: Initial set up Ok so Im getting to the point where things are set up and I think Im ready to get some water in my tank. So whats the steps here? I have been reading all over tonight looking for a "how to" and have just found really random stuff. I have no clue what Im doing at this point, other than what I have been reading and just want to get some water in my tank. Any links to good information would be much appreciated. __________________ We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams. Current Tank Info: 30x30 cube under construction!

02/18/2007, 07:53 AM	#5
loves saltwater Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Katy,Tx Posts: 945	If you want to start a tank this will answer alot of question.This reading is a must ! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1038919 __________________ Does anyone have the number to Reef Keepers Anonymous! AM- 0 Rite- 0 Rate- 0 Phos- 0 PH- 8.0 SG- 1.026 Cal- 420 KH- 8.0 dKH Alk- 2.51 meg/L Mag- 1350 Temp-78-80 Current Tank Info: 125RR/30 gal DIY sump-fuge/100 lbs of LR/PM Bullet Skimmer/1000GPH Closed loop/T5 4X54 Watt HO

02/18/2007, 02:54 AM	#2
TekCat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MN Posts: 3,130	It is rather simple, but without having it done before it might seem like a big step. Since you do not have sump, it simplifies things. First fill the tank with tap water. Let it sit for 24 hours, check for leaks. If everything checks out, drain it, let it dry. Then you are ready to fill it with premixed salt water.

02/18/2007, 03:11 AM	#3
KeepOnReefin Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 154	http://saltaquarium.about.com/ Water quality is the most important ipart of saltwater aquarium. Put a lot of effort into supplying your tank with good quality water. Dont use tap water. Some successfully use it but most say bad things about it. Put some money into buying a ro/di system. You can find good products for cheap from the sponsors. Some offer RC discounts. RO water is much better to drink anyhow. Another option is to get water from the LFS... and then thinking about brewing it yourself. If these choices are not possible, go down the road to Walmart and use the Culligan Reverse Osmosis water. Transfer the water in 5 gallon jugs. Or if you are adding a lot of water fill large storing tupperwares which you will later use for work buckets. When first adding water you need to add saltwater. You can either buy saltwater from the LFS or mix it yourself. If you are mixing it yourself you need to go to the pet store and buy aquarium sea salt. While you are there buy a hydrometer, test kit, some sand and live rock.. Buy enough to suite the size of your tank. How many gallons is your tank? Also look into the selling forum as there are times when people in your area are selling used goods. For example: lighting, skimmer, powerheads, equipment, sand, liverock etc. You need the hydrometer to check the tanks specific gravity. You need a test kit to keep track of the tanks cylce. Research more on this info as there is tons out there. Spend some time around here. You will have much gratitude for the info you will learn. Good Luck!

02/18/2007, 03:13 AM	#4
KeepOnReefin Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 154	good call! after all that.... check for leaks first.. hehe..