HELP! Kevin's New Saltwater Setup

[TommyP]

I have to buy 1 new compact bulb. A hydrometer , salt, thermometer , a test kit. And I think I'm ready to start as long as I don't have to reseal
the tank

The manufacturer of stealth heaters is sending me a new one because of the recall

I would skip the hyrometer with the swing point and get a refractometer - I got mine for maybe $15 off e-bay. Worth it and the results are easier to read.

 

[kwandrsn]

I'll look at them and see that may be later on. I've spent more money than my wife would like lol

Ok looked them up they are about 25$ on Ebay not bad I will probably order one

 

[kwandrsn]

Ok I've been working on getting the tank clean. Thick layer of white stuff. Been using a razor blade and a green scotch brite pad. Is there anything I can clean the glass with will vinegar work?

 

[chbix]

Yes vinegar will work. Make sure it's plain white vinegar. I usually buy the gallon size and always have 1 or 2 on hand just because

 

[kwandrsn]

Yeah I have a little bit left. I used most of it trying to get the white buildup off the equipment. I just wanna get the glass spotless

 

[kwandrsn]

the white buildup I'm guessing is calcium or salt but it doesn't come off plastic. I basically has to take my knife and scrape off what I could

 

[rob_stl_mo]

I got it to come off all my plastic. It I went with a heavy vinegar/water mix. And let a lot of the stuff soak in it overnight

 

[kwandrsn]

I tried straight vinegar. It is just so thick it doesn't want to come off

 

[rob_stl_mo]

Let it soak for a while. If its on something you can soak that is. It all should clean up

 

[kwandrsn]

I got a majority of it off though.

 

[kwandrsn]

I let it soak overnight . I'm using a razor blade and getting it off the tank. Going thru a lot of blades but its working

 

[jjamontan]

You should try aging like two gallons of viniger and then filling up the tank the rest of the way with water then let your power heads run for a day or two. I think it will work. What does everyone else think?

 

[kwandrsn]

I will try that

 

[kwandrsn]

Ok hooked everything up. The skimmer pump is extremely loud the aquarium is in the bedroom so I can't deal with the noise. The outlet of the skimmer has air bubbles. There is a nipple in front of the adjustment knob. WhenI put my finger on it the bubbles go away. And where should I have the water level on the skimmer?

 

[mr_X]

The pump should be in about 10" of water. Take the skimmer pump apart and make sure the impeller is seated properly and inspect the magnet. Even though I don't have much faith in the ss65, the one I ran was quiet enough.

 

[kwandrsn]

This pump looks bigger than the one the picture shows IM thinking its a different pump

 

[mr_X]

The size shouldn't matter too much as far as sound is concerned. Generally, the recommended height of water for in sump protein skimmers is 10" or so.

 

[kwandrsn]

 

[kwandrsn]

Its only about 10 inched or so under the water

 

[mr_X]

Can you slide the shaft out of the magnet? See if the shaft is broken. That looks like a Rio.