Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 After a few discussions with various people and ALOT of help (DFF on this site), I have decided to try salt water. I have started with a small tank (40L) and at this stage it will be fish only. So far I have set up the tank, Salt water in coral substrate in and that is all. Hydromoter is a floating one and it reads in the green section so all is good there PH is 9.0 and am just waiting a day to get the live rock. I was advised that it was best that way and I have to work tonight so works out well. I will be bothering people with questions along the way and putting up pics too so any advice is welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relle Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 your braver than me!!! goodluck with it!! <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pet_City Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Why is the pH so high? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 (edited) I dunno, Thats just what it read at, I havent added anything other than salt... will have to watch this space for update on my PH issue. Edited September 1, 2011 by Guest 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIIK Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 I personally would start with a much larger tank. Small tanks are much more unstable and harder to keep water chemistry constant. Very unforgiving if you make even the smallest mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Im not allowed a larger tank... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayton31 Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Im not allowed a larger tank... easy fixed ..take hubby down the back and SHOOT him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 lol no way. Tanks come and go but Hubby is forever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayton31 Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 lol get him stuffed then he will be around for eva Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Then I would have to stuff him... Seems like too much work, a goat takes all day and thats just a head mount! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FIIK Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 List specs of ya tank ay Bec, filtration, lighting, chiller etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Its an all in one aqua one stock standard ATM. Has unbuilt filter with carbon n ceramics. Light is standard too ATM. I haven't done any other tests as I'm about to leave for work but will put more info up tomorrow. Freaking out slightly over ph level at this stage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
procull Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 List specs of ya tank ay Bec, filtration, lighting, chiller etc... species - feeders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
procull Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 lol get him stuffed then he will be around for eva hahahahaha would take more foam than qldaf could get lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pet_City Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Its an all in one aqua one stock standard ATM. Has unbuilt filter with carbon n ceramics. Light is standard too ATM. I haven't done any other tests as I'm about to leave for work but will put more info up tomorrow. Freaking out slightly over ph level at this stage I wouldn't freak out too much. If I were to guess, then I would surmise that you are using a salt mix and didn't let it mix with a powerhead for 24 hours prior to use. It may stabilize over a few days. What salt mix (if any) did you use? Usually just mixed its not higher than 8.5. Are you using an actual marine substrate or crushed marble? Aragonite won't buffer above 8.3-8.4. I would make sure that you test that little creature every day! As the ocean is such a HUGE body of water changes happen so slowly. Most marine fish/inverts can't handle rapid changes and that is what happens in little tanks. Also marine fish are side to side swimmers that like lots of horizon to swim in. I'm assuming that you are making way for a pair of clowns? They stay close to home and hover, they shouldn't mind the little tank as long as it is stable and your temps don't flucuate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnyman Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Good luck with the tank, So will you be up gradeing to a bigger size done the track? Mabey a 2x2x2? Smallish tank but still plenty of room. Im also taking my first dip in the ocean too lol, setting up first tank, it's very exciting isn't it lol, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeadFishFloating Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 The trick with small tanks, even for pro's, is less is more. The trick with marine tanks, even for pro's, is HURRY UP AND WAIT! so a small marine tank is all about keeping a small amount of stock in the most patient manner possible. On the plus side, water changes are much easier! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yodapwnsasmurf Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 On the plus side, water changes are much easier! how so donny? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeadFishFloating Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 well for starters ya dont need a 1000L container attached to a pump under your house......... Its also easier to get enough RO water for topups and mixing saltmixes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 I wouldn't freak out too much. If I were to guess, then I would surmise that you are using a salt mix and didn't let it mix with a powerhead for 24 hours prior to use. It may stabilize over a few days. What salt mix (if any) did you use? Usually just mixed its not higher than 8.5. Are you using an actual marine substrate or crushed marble? Aragonite won't buffer above 8.3-8.4. I would make sure that you test that little creature every day! As the ocean is such a HUGE body of water changes happen so slowly. Most marine fish/inverts can't handle rapid changes and that is what happens in little tanks. Also marine fish are side to side swimmers that like lots of horizon to swim in. I'm assuming that you are making way for a pair of clowns? They stay close to home and hover, they shouldn't mind the little tank as long as it is stable and your temps don't flucuate Thankyou I tested the water after it was mixed and only 5 mins into letting it go through the powerhead/filter. I tested the PH again this morning and it has come down so I will see what happens this afternoon after a nap. lol. I think that simple looks alot nicer and am not sure whether I want clowns (as was the original plan) or a shrimp tank. Will just take it slow and read more. Actually finding that reading heaps is so interesting. its like a parrallel universe haha. It is right beside my bed so I will be around it everyday to check and maintain as its a good reminder if its in my face. Having said that I visit my system at least three times a day to check it out and thats in the garage. I think its alot easier for me to wait it out because I have breeders and fry to look after too. Loving the advice, Thankyou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pony-tail Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 lol no way. Tanks come and go but Hubby is forever! Thats what my missus thought ! till she crossed the line and I sacked her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brengun Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Absolutely amazing what comes out of the liverock. Even without fish its interesting. I discovered two hairy worms the other night (bristleworms?) and I have had my tank since last December and never seen them before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Well the Ph was at 8.5 all day today. I have matrix and purigen in the filter, Have just put in a piece of live rock so now all I can do is wait and test and wait, oh and wait. Ha ha ha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeadFishFloating Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 No shrimp/prawns until you get a chiller! Maybe you will get a free crab with ya liverock tho lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1 Posted September 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Ok thankyou. Got a few little things that are interesting to watch. What kind of chiller?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
