mr_X said:looks like a bargain. hopefully, he didn't use any copper based meds while the tank was running. I would give it a shot. Ask him about the copper.
mr_X said:Don't forget to bring a bathroom scale or something similar with you.
mr_X said:The copper stays in the rock and leaches out over time. It will be impossible for you to keep invertebrates if enough copper is present.
Ok so as of now my lights and protein skimmer are ordered. I have 2 LED light panels and a BM180EX protein skimmer on its way!
Now my questions! I know I posted them above but it's much nicer having them all together.
1) are power heads discounted durring bulk buy?
2) what about Refractometer?
3) which float valve do I need to buy? The adjustable or the normal
4) thermometer, which one/kind?
5) carey I have 6 months or more for filter replacements, which ones should I buy? And how often?
6) API saltwater rest kit? Is that good?
7) The salifert test kits, which ones do I need?
8) what watt heaters should I be looking for
9) do I need a heater for water changes?
I know I don't need all this now just trying to get ideas! Thanks!!!
carey said:Not sure caitlynn about the powerheads, if I remember correctly it might be a buck or two cheaper. BRS also sells the replacement filters for the ro/di unit, you would get the same ones that come with it originally. The refractometer is probably cheaper at marinedepot.com, check them out too. I use a regular walmart thermometer with the little suction cup, they are only about 1.96$ each so I generally get a couple just in case. lol
API saltwater kit is the first kit you will need and the most important.
I use salifert tests for: calcium, phosphate,magnesium and alkalinity. Those you won't be testing for a while so you can get them when you need to. I find the API tests for those 4 things are very hard to read and inaccurate in comparison to the saliferts.
The heaters can be say 200watt or 150 each, the higher the wattage usually the longer the heater. lol And yep, you'll need aheater for the storage can of water and a cheap powerhead.
carey said:When you mix salt water you can use a power head to mix it overnight. Nothing special, I user an old koralia 750 I had lying around. I only out my heater and power head in the can when i am going to be mixing salt water. I usually keep regular ro/di unsalted water in it.
Yep, you can use the freshwater kit for the basics, the colors are a little off from freshwater but you can still tell. If theres any green in the ammonia test then you have ammonia. Nitrites are purple and light blue is no nitrites. Nitrates are the same pretty much, if there is red then you need to do a water change. LOL
caitlynnanne9189 said:
mr_X said:Make sure when you go you pick the lightest, most porous pieces. Don't take any boulder type rocks.
caitlynnanne9189 said:Well good news. Talked to the guy and am going there on Sunday to look at the rock and make sure it's good
I am also looking at refractometers. Carey told me to check out marine depot and I found this one.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Marine_Depot_Aquarium_Refractometer_Refractometers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Marine_Depot-MD2101-FITEOPRF-vi.html
But I think I like this one from BRS better. And it comes with the calibration fluid. What do you all think?
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/refractometer-for-reading-salinity-w-free-calibration-fluid.html