itzafugasi
Aquarium Advice Regular
After a few months of research and reading, ive decided to start up my tank. It will be FOWLR. Here are the main components:
55 Gallon tank, stand, glass hood, and double fluorescent lights (maybe HO)
60-75 lbs live rock, 2 maxi jet 1200's for circulation, 10-15 gallon sump, aqua c remora in sump skimmer, overflow, return pump, and RO/DI water. i have a few questions before i actually start that will clear a few things up for me. here are the ?'s:
1. What brand is a good overflow? i've seen a few on ebay by www.aquacrylics.com and I'd like to know if it makes a difference on brand. I want one w/ a U tube, 500-600 gph.
2. For mechanical filtration, is the sponge in the overflow box adequate enough, or should i devise a way to add more mechanical filtration in the sump, ie. another sponge or other filter media. i know this can lead to high nitrates, so if i do use a sponge or floss, i will rinse it out every other day. Also, I'll need to run carbon so i'd like to add that to the sump as well.
3. As for water, I am planning on having two garbage cans filled, 1 with salt water for water changes, and one with plain water for top offs. Is there a limit as to how long water and salt water can sit? If it sits for a few weeks or a month is that not good?
4. Another water question. Do any of you add anything to the water b4 it goes into the tank? stress coat, buffers, supplements, etc? Since ill be using RO/DI water, im assuming that a dechlorinator and heavy metal detoxifier is unnecessary.
5. Does the ph have to be adjusted b4 the water goes into the tank? (both salt water and top off water). if it does, how do u adjust it? ph up/down?
Thanks so much for any help!
55 Gallon tank, stand, glass hood, and double fluorescent lights (maybe HO)
60-75 lbs live rock, 2 maxi jet 1200's for circulation, 10-15 gallon sump, aqua c remora in sump skimmer, overflow, return pump, and RO/DI water. i have a few questions before i actually start that will clear a few things up for me. here are the ?'s:
1. What brand is a good overflow? i've seen a few on ebay by www.aquacrylics.com and I'd like to know if it makes a difference on brand. I want one w/ a U tube, 500-600 gph.
2. For mechanical filtration, is the sponge in the overflow box adequate enough, or should i devise a way to add more mechanical filtration in the sump, ie. another sponge or other filter media. i know this can lead to high nitrates, so if i do use a sponge or floss, i will rinse it out every other day. Also, I'll need to run carbon so i'd like to add that to the sump as well.
3. As for water, I am planning on having two garbage cans filled, 1 with salt water for water changes, and one with plain water for top offs. Is there a limit as to how long water and salt water can sit? If it sits for a few weeks or a month is that not good?
4. Another water question. Do any of you add anything to the water b4 it goes into the tank? stress coat, buffers, supplements, etc? Since ill be using RO/DI water, im assuming that a dechlorinator and heavy metal detoxifier is unnecessary.
5. Does the ph have to be adjusted b4 the water goes into the tank? (both salt water and top off water). if it does, how do u adjust it? ph up/down?
Thanks so much for any help!