Few ????? Light ? Sand ? Salt ? Thanks in advance.

EVILmeanNASTYfi · 08/31/2009, 03:30 PM

Sorry for all the questions but I need some help. I set up a 50 galloin seaclear acrylic tank today. It has built in wetdry filtration.

I added two bags of live sand from Jays Aquatics.

My light just came today it's a 36" compact flourescent retrofit kit 192 watts.

I added salt and used the hydrometer and go differant readings everytime I dipped it in the water. I think there is to much salt.

#1. can to much salt harm the live sand ?

#2. is the light needed for the sand only so far ?

#3. Can the retrofit light be mounted right to the top of the canopy using spacers ?

#4. thecanopy is wide open in the back and the tank is about 2 feet off the wall. Is a fan needed in the canopy ?

Thanks in advance for any info and sorry for the Questions

E.intheC · 08/31/2009, 04:12 PM

First,

To Reef Central

Typically you'll get a better response if you keep your questions sep. a bit.

I'll try my best to answer your questions though!

1) Yes, too much salt can harm the live creatures in your sand. The bacteria and inverts that are typically found in live sand are sensitive to salinity changes.

Where did you get "live" sand? If you bought it in an LFS from a bag of sand and water, it's very unlikely to be "live" at all..
You should be mixing your water in a separate tank. Please don't add salt to the tank water, especially if there are living things. Salt is very caustic.
Also, hydrometers are OK, but they're not always super accurate. Try getting water from at least a few inches down in the tank, and make sure there's no air bubbles or salt particles on the actual arm of the hydrometer.

2.) The light isn't necessary for your sand. They aren't typically photosynthetic until you get the live rock going.

3.) I'm not exactly sure what you mean. Do you have pictures or links you can send of your setup to help us help you better?

4.) I'd check my temps over a period of time. If you're having heat issues, definitely add a fan. (I am building a canopy myself and have a 250 watt Halide going in there, so I'm definitely putting 2 fans.) I figure it's better safe than sorry.

It sounds like you're off to a good start. Is good quality live rock your next purchase, once you get your salinity steady and in the 1.023-1.025 range?

Oh, and no need to be sorry for your questions. In time you'll be experienced and can help out other newcomers with their questions

EVILmeanNASTYfi · 08/31/2009, 11:38 PM

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out.

I did mix the salt in the tank....( didnt know )

I got my live sand at Jay's Aquatics in Salem NH

I ordered a refractometer online

Im going to build a new canopy and add fans.

Yes, live rock is my next step once I have the salt mixture correct.

Thanks again for the help.

wfournier · 09/01/2009, 05:13 AM

What do you plan to keep? 192w of CF won't necessarily get you very far, mushrooms and soft corals will likely be ok, but I am not sure of much beyond that.

EVILmeanNASTYfi · 09/01/2009, 06:26 AM

Live rock, mushrooms a few soft corals and a couple small fish. I dont want to go over board as it's my first S/W tank.

EVILmeanNASTYfi · 09/01/2009, 06:29 AM

http://www.marineandreef.com/Articles.asp?ID=122 I went by this chart. My tank is 36x15x20H and I went with the light it required for that application. It said this light would be good for the following Reef Tank with Soft Corals, LPS Corals and Live Rock

E.intheC · 09/01/2009, 03:58 PM

honestly, for your tank I think you'll be okay with that light. You can even keep some Large Polyp Stonies with your lights.

09/01/2009, 03:58 PM	#7
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	honestly, for your tank I think you'll be okay with that light. You can even keep some Large Polyp Stonies with your lights. __________________ -Eric

08/31/2009, 03:30 PM	#1
EVILmeanNASTYfi Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Londonderry NH Posts: 28	Few ????? Light ? Sand ? Salt ? Thanks in advance. Sorry for all the questions but I need some help. I set up a 50 galloin seaclear acrylic tank today. It has built in wetdry filtration. I added two bags of live sand from Jays Aquatics. My light just came today it's a 36" compact flourescent retrofit kit 192 watts. I added salt and used the hydrometer and go differant readings everytime I dipped it in the water. I think there is to much salt. #1. can to much salt harm the live sand ? #2. is the light needed for the sand only so far ? #3. Can the retrofit light be mounted right to the top of the canopy using spacers ? #4. thecanopy is wide open in the back and the tank is about 2 feet off the wall. Is a fan needed in the canopy ? Thanks in advance for any info and sorry for the Questions

08/31/2009, 04:12 PM	#2
E.intheC Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5,373	First, *To Reef Central* Typically you'll get a better response if you keep your questions sep. a bit. I'll try my best to answer your questions though! 1) Yes, too much salt can harm the live creatures in your sand. The bacteria and inverts that are typically found in live sand are sensitive to salinity changes. Where did you get "live" sand? If you bought it in an LFS from a bag of sand and water, it's very unlikely to be "live" at all.. You should be mixing your water in a separate tank. Please don't add salt to the tank water, especially if there are living things. Salt is very caustic. Also, hydrometers are OK, but they're not always super accurate. Try getting water from at least a few inches down in the tank, and make sure there's no air bubbles or salt particles on the actual arm of the hydrometer. 2.) The light isn't necessary for your sand. They aren't typically photosynthetic until you get the live rock going. 3.) I'm not exactly sure what you mean. Do you have pictures or links you can send of your setup to help us help you better? 4.) I'd check my temps over a period of time. If you're having heat issues, definitely add a fan. (I am building a canopy myself and have a 250 watt Halide going in there, so I'm definitely putting 2 fans.) I figure it's better safe than sorry. It sounds like you're off to a good start. Is good quality live rock your next purchase, once you get your salinity steady and in the 1.023-1.025 range? Oh, and no need to be sorry for your questions. In time you'll be experienced and can help out other newcomers with their questions __________________ -Eric

08/31/2009, 11:38 PM	#3
EVILmeanNASTYfi Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Londonderry NH Posts: 28	Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out. I did mix the salt in the tank....( didnt know ) I got my live sand at Jay's Aquatics in Salem NH I ordered a refractometer online Im going to build a new canopy and add fans. Yes, live rock is my next step once I have the salt mixture correct. Thanks again for the help.

09/01/2009, 05:13 AM	#4
wfournier Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 379	What do you plan to keep? 192w of CF won't necessarily get you very far, mushrooms and soft corals will likely be ok, but I am not sure of much beyond that.

09/01/2009, 06:26 AM	#5
EVILmeanNASTYfi Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Londonderry NH Posts: 28	Live rock, mushrooms a few soft corals and a couple small fish. I dont want to go over board as it's my first S/W tank.

09/01/2009, 06:29 AM	#6
EVILmeanNASTYfi Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Londonderry NH Posts: 28	http://www.marineandreef.com/Articles.asp?ID=122 I went by this chart. My tank is 36x15x20H and I went with the light it required for that application. It said this light would be good for the following Reef Tank with Soft Corals, LPS Corals and Live Rock