seting up a s/w aquarium from scratch!

[SparKy697]

ac = aquaclear

[oliver moggridge]

so that 0ne i picked out is ok then? ans also is the filter media different from f/w filters?

[AMDPhenomX4]

If you really want to stay this small, get LR and rock rubble and use the rubble in the hob instead of the floss except to polish the water. LR will give a place for bacteria and wont become a nitrate factory.

[oliver moggridge]

cool ill get all the stuf and then let you know when im ready to go.
could you just write out a list of things ill need e.g chemicals, filter media, sand(whats the best size) and then ill go from there.would be much appritiated

[joy13]

One thing I think is important is a test kit, I use API for saltwater. RO water is recommended to keep algae down and also if you are going to keep soft corals. Sand you want to use aragonite don't use crush coral. I was lucky and found my live rock and sand from someone downsizing so I got real live rock with little star fish and other things living in it.

[oliver moggridge]

whats RO water?

[joy13]

reverse osmosis water =ro
I buy mine since I don't have any place to put the unit. I pay about 2.50 for 5 gallons.

[thominil]

Refractometer as well. Don't add any chemicals unless you can test for them.

[oliver moggridge]

dose this reed the amount of salt in the water?

[HN1]

A refractometer does indeed measure the salinity level and is much easier and more accurate than a hydrometer.

I apologize if this comes out blunt, have you researched setting up a SW tank? Read the articles and stickies, there's a ton of good info in there to get you started.