Chemicals

rastamang · 09/27/2014, 03:12 PM

Hey i'm beginning a tank soon and its my first time, i was just curious as too what chemicals i should keep handy to start off with?
Thanks for the help.

AdamNC · 09/27/2014, 04:17 PM

None if you use a high quality salt. The only thing I dose is AquaVitro Fuel.

bundybear1981 · 09/27/2014, 04:32 PM

I would say basics like vinegar (good for cleaning ect), for the QT things like copper. More experienced members will be able to give you a better list.

Sk8r · 09/27/2014, 05:07 PM

Depends on what you're keeping. Corals have requirements. Fish are ok with just salt/water changes, but you have to watch alkalinity: test and supplement required. I don't own copper and won't use it: there are better methods for the fish I prefer, and certain species should not be dosed with it, notably Angels, dragonets. My own rule is never to treat a well fish. Simply quarantine and observe. I must say I have seen only one sick fish in the last 10 years, and that one had a virus (lymphocystis) for which there is no treatment.
In general, have a refractometer, an alkalinity supplement, and a test for it: and if getting into stony corals, you also need calcium and magnesium tests and supplements.

09/27/2014, 03:12 PM	#1
rastamang Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: PA/NJ Posts: 118	Chemicals Hey i'm beginning a tank soon and its my first time, i was just curious as too what chemicals i should keep handy to start off with? Thanks for the help.

09/27/2014, 04:32 PM	#3
bundybear1981 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia Posts: 685 Blog Entries: 1	I would say basics like vinegar (good for cleaning ect), for the QT things like copper. More experienced members will be able to give you a better list. __________________ Tank inhabitants : 2x Clownfish, 1x Blue Koran, 1x Foxface Lo, 1xCoral Beauty, 1x Blue Tang, 1x Sailfin Tang Current Tank Info: New Build : 250g (6x3x2) with 2x RW15 pumps, 2x 2200lph return pumps, Tunze ATO, Jebao Dosing Pump, AquaOne G220 Skimmer

09/27/2014, 05:07 PM	#4
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Depends on what you're keeping. Corals have requirements. Fish are ok with just salt/water changes, but you have to watch alkalinity: test and supplement required. I don't own copper and won't use it: there are better methods for the fish I prefer, and certain species should not be dosed with it, notably Angels, dragonets. My own rule is never to treat a well fish. Simply quarantine and observe. I must say I have seen only one sick fish in the last 10 years, and that one had a virus (lymphocystis) for which there is no treatment. In general, have a refractometer, an alkalinity supplement, and a test for it: and if getting into stony corals, you also need calcium and magnesium tests and supplements. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

09/27/2014, 04:17 PM	#2
AdamNC Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 849	None if you use a high quality salt. The only thing I dose is AquaVitro Fuel.