Tim Wheatley
Aquarium Advice Addict
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2011
- Messages
- 1,342
Just a few quick questions really... I have seen RO DI filters for $169. But if I want fish only, can I use dechlorinated tap water and add the instant ocean to that? I've kept brackish fish before so I am familiar with the concept. I maintained a 1.005 salinity. The algae (from using tap water mainly) was something I could cope with and no inverts or corals would be involved in the tank.
One question regarding salinity: Is it absolutely essential to always maintain the recommended salinity? With the brackish I would vary minimal amounts and considered this merely a simulation of what those fish encounter in the wild being where fresh and salt water mix. I assume saltwater fish only ever experience the exact same salinity in the wild so any variation is bad? How bad? Does anybody recommend a refractometer? I used a hydrometer with my brackish tank.
Another question related to pH. In my brackish tank I had dead, dried coral and limestone to keep the pH high, but with a lot of freshwater and brackish fish it simply doesn't seem to matter too much what the pH is as long as it remains stable. Is this the case with some saltwater fish (I understand there is never a one-rule-fits-all, I know sensitive fish are always going to need ideal parameters).
Of course, my primary interest is to get my foot in the door with saltwater, not much more right now. Tank size will be a 29 gallon, no sump. I have HOB filters and I do have a protein skimmer (tried it with my brackish and the pickup wasn't enough to bother running it). Would like to keep Clown(s).
Thanks folks,
Tim
One question regarding salinity: Is it absolutely essential to always maintain the recommended salinity? With the brackish I would vary minimal amounts and considered this merely a simulation of what those fish encounter in the wild being where fresh and salt water mix. I assume saltwater fish only ever experience the exact same salinity in the wild so any variation is bad? How bad? Does anybody recommend a refractometer? I used a hydrometer with my brackish tank.
Another question related to pH. In my brackish tank I had dead, dried coral and limestone to keep the pH high, but with a lot of freshwater and brackish fish it simply doesn't seem to matter too much what the pH is as long as it remains stable. Is this the case with some saltwater fish (I understand there is never a one-rule-fits-all, I know sensitive fish are always going to need ideal parameters).
Of course, my primary interest is to get my foot in the door with saltwater, not much more right now. Tank size will be a 29 gallon, no sump. I have HOB filters and I do have a protein skimmer (tried it with my brackish and the pickup wasn't enough to bother running it). Would like to keep Clown(s).
Thanks folks,
Tim