Maintaining an established FOWLR , wondering about water

[fourmyclowns]

Newbie here! Just purchased an established 75G SW tank and had it moved into our home last night, water and all. Previous owner was helpful but I may not have asked the right questions. I am confident that the water we got from him is in great condition so I don't want to mess it up. I will try to keep this simple. For now I understand in a month we should change out 25% water. At what point do I need to test the water if it came already balanced? He gave me a test kit in liquid forms and I see some paper test strips in there for freshwater as well. He knows his stuff so I assumed those work for saltwater ph testing as well?

Do I test before the water change, after or both?
I read somewhere that flakefood isn't adequate for 100% feedings, should I try some shrimp? (there are two clownfish, one angelfish and one dart)

Last question - I see a large snail on the liverock. While we enjoy watching him, is he harmful to the rock or beneficial?

I appreciate a helping hand!

 

[lando]

Hi, welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
You have found the best place on the net for great and friendly aquarium advice.

At what point do I need to test the water if it came already balanced?

Moving the tank will most likely throw things off a bit. I would start testing now. I am ot a fan of those "dip stick" test strips. you can find something that is a bit more accurate. Get a drop test for Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, Ph.

Do I test before the water change, after or both?

Both is fine for now. I would also consider using a high quality RO/DI water for top-offs and changes instead of tap water.

read somewhere that flakefood isn't adequate for 100% feedings,

variety is the key. What livestock are you feeding? That will make a difference.

I see a large snail on the liverock. While we enjoy watching him, is he harmful to the rock or beneficial?

Snails are your tank's cleaning system. Keep it!

I appreciate a helping hand!

Stick around...we are just getting started.
I suggest your next purchase be a good book on SW tanks. I like "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. It is a great book and I am sure you will find it helpful...Lando

 

[fourmyclowns]

Hello Lando - thank you for your tips! I tried to test today but the testkit I received is missing vials so I have to get some tomorrow and try again.

You gave some very detailed advice on feeding to "Aquafreek" in a forum that posted after mine. Could I apply those foods you listed to my fish - clowns, blue/yellow angel and a dartfish. fourmyclowns

 

[lando]

The foods will work fine. Your angle might like the nori sheets. Like I said there, hte key is variety and supplimenting the food with vitachem and selcon. Should keep your fish happy and healthy.

 

[fourmyclowns]

Thanks for a speedy reply! I made a shopping list for tomorrow. I think that book you mentioned was one I looked at before. I'll pick it up. I do have some dried seaweed. I'll give them some tonight.