So it's my first time and the water has evaporated the tank has only been set it up for 2 weeks now ? Should I do a water change or just add water and how should I go about it when doing so? I'd take all suggestions , i just want to be sure , and receive knowledge from those who have been in the salt water hobby for a while..
Adding water to marine/& water changes
- Thread starter Python
- Start date
- Location
- Staten Island
Do you have or can you get ro/di water?
The salt doesn't evaporate which means as that water evaporates your salinity is going to rise. You want to add fresh water (being RODI or even distilled from the store) to make up for that loss. It is called 'topping off'. You can get an auto top off - which is a sensor and small pump that does this for you.
..and topping off should be done on a daily basis to keep the salinity from going on a roller coaster ride.
Add enough unsalted RO water to get your salinity back to where it should be by slowly adding the RO water to your sump.
Put a piece of duct tape (or something similar) on your sump where the water level is once you have the salinity correct. Each day add enough RO water to your sump to keep the water level at that marked line.
As mentioned many reefers have an ATO (auto-top-off unit) that does this automatically by using a system of float switches in your sump and in the reservoir that hold the RO 'top-off' water,
Add enough unsalted RO water to get your salinity back to where it should be by slowly adding the RO water to your sump.
Put a piece of duct tape (or something similar) on your sump where the water level is once you have the salinity correct. Each day add enough RO water to your sump to keep the water level at that marked line.
As mentioned many reefers have an ATO (auto-top-off unit) that does this automatically by using a system of float switches in your sump and in the reservoir that hold the RO 'top-off' water,
save your self a headache and go to a home shopping center and buy a 15 gallon trash can and a top off unit from www.autotopoff.com and set it up.
once you get rid of the headache you can work on figuring out how to hide your new top off container or make it presentable if left out in the open.
once you get rid of the headache you can work on figuring out how to hide your new top off container or make it presentable if left out in the open.
Ok. Well I went to the petshop and brought a Tap water filter. Which cleanses the water as its going through the filter. It's pretty cool, it saves time , it's a Lil slow but it allow me to add fresh water without all the unwanted impurities. And I have a extra heater to match the temperature , as to not shock my fish .. I don't have a sump yet.
- Location
- Wantagh, NY
I'm the future you should get a tds meter so you know your filter is working and when it needs to be replaced
- Location
- Suffolk county, NY
That tap water filter may not be sufficient for a sw tank. Look up RO/DI kit on bulkreefsupply.com This is what is recommended (you don't have to get it from Brs just used that as an example) The 1 i got is 75 gpd (gallons per day) and it tells me the ppm of the TDS in the incoming and outgoing water. This is important to have good water putting into your system. A High TDS reading can lead to algae issues and high nutrients, which is not good.
I got a 20g brute pail from home depot. Set it next to my tank and threw a table cloth over it. It looks like an end table and the gf approves
Once you get a sump hooked up, if you are, get an ATO. I got mine from autotopoff.com and it's awesome.
Patience is key, do A LOT of research before you buy/do anything. It will SAVE you $. I promise.
I got a 20g brute pail from home depot. Set it next to my tank and threw a table cloth over it. It looks like an end table and the gf approves
Once you get a sump hooked up, if you are, get an ATO. I got mine from autotopoff.com and it's awesome.
Patience is key, do A LOT of research before you buy/do anything. It will SAVE you $. I promise.
Tds meter . Hmm I'll ask about that .. Oh and is it true once you buy the live rock for the tank, that you must treat the rock with solutions so it won't die, and so it can keep on being healthy and strong , and full of good nutrients for my fish to graze on...??? Anyone
No you don't have to treat the rock nor would I recommend it. If your tank is already cycled you just want to add only live rock. If it is a new tank no fish or coral you can start with all dead (previously dried) rock and just add a small piece of rock or some sand from someone elses up and running tank to get it started and the good bacteria will spread.
- Location
- Wantagh, NY
Your probably still cycling. Everything takes time in saltwater. The best advice I've gotten which is sometimes hardest to do is Slow Down. Guys at pet stores sometimes don't steer you in the right direction you have to be careful with the advice you receive same thing with forums. That's why I like to get multiple opinions and then base what I'm going to do on that. Also read read read there is a lot to learn. But still most important slow most of the time you do more harm in rushing.
- Location
- East Meadow
Welcome.. You've received great advice so far.. slow down is key.. if you have any questions.. ask them here first before going to the store...
So how big is the tank and what's your setup like?
So how big is the tank and what's your setup like?
- Location
- Wantagh, NY
Everyone has a 55 at some point
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