Hi,
I just want to say hello, I was advised to check out Manhattan Reefs but the very nice gentleman who sold me his old tank and supplies. I have never kept a saltwater tank before but I'm willing to learn. I've had tropical freshwater tanks for about 6 years now and always dreamed of a saltwater tank.
I bought a 125 gallon tank, stand, canopy, 2-250w 14k metal halide lights, 2-T5 HO 54w actinic blue lights, various equipment I have no idea what they are yet. I'm researching everything atm. For now, the tank is in my house and now I'm scared
I managed to find some names on some of the parts but I have no idea how to set them up, none of them came with hoses. If anyone has a ton of patience and is willing to help I can describe what I've figured out so far and then figure out what to do next. I know I have to clean out the tank since I don't know the person I bought it from or what might have been in the tank (disease, etc). I've read a ton of things ... vinegar/water, bleach/water, hot water, etc. What's best ?
Then I know I have to leak test it. Since it's a 6' long x 18" wide x 22" high all glass aquarium and in my dining room, it's going to be difficult.
I live in the NE corner of PA, but since I am in the middle of nowhere here, the guy I bought it from said Manhattan Reefs would be my best bet since Philly is several hours (on a good day) and the city is much closer.
I plan on using Live Rock to cycle the tank, I've heard conflicting things, about putting the Live Sand he gave me in first, then the rock, or just putting the Rock in alone and cycling it that way. I know I'm a little ahead of myself but what's the best way ? He recommended Instant Ocean Salt, so I purchased a bucket of that and an Instant Ocean hydrometer. I don't plan on any fish or invertebrates or corals for 3+ months until I figure out all of this ... no sense in torturing anyone but myself :smile: What test kits do I need at a minimum ? I know pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate & phosphorus ... do I need copper, calcium and what else ?
Can you think of anything else I need to start off with so I can purchase them over a little while and not break the bank the first week
Thanks for your patience and help in advance. I am so excited I don't want to ruin it by messing up and getting frustrated and turning it into a really giant freshwater display :Yikes:
Bonnie
I just want to say hello, I was advised to check out Manhattan Reefs but the very nice gentleman who sold me his old tank and supplies. I have never kept a saltwater tank before but I'm willing to learn. I've had tropical freshwater tanks for about 6 years now and always dreamed of a saltwater tank.
I bought a 125 gallon tank, stand, canopy, 2-250w 14k metal halide lights, 2-T5 HO 54w actinic blue lights, various equipment I have no idea what they are yet. I'm researching everything atm. For now, the tank is in my house and now I'm scared
Then I know I have to leak test it. Since it's a 6' long x 18" wide x 22" high all glass aquarium and in my dining room, it's going to be difficult.
I live in the NE corner of PA, but since I am in the middle of nowhere here, the guy I bought it from said Manhattan Reefs would be my best bet since Philly is several hours (on a good day) and the city is much closer.
I plan on using Live Rock to cycle the tank, I've heard conflicting things, about putting the Live Sand he gave me in first, then the rock, or just putting the Rock in alone and cycling it that way. I know I'm a little ahead of myself but what's the best way ? He recommended Instant Ocean Salt, so I purchased a bucket of that and an Instant Ocean hydrometer. I don't plan on any fish or invertebrates or corals for 3+ months until I figure out all of this ... no sense in torturing anyone but myself :smile: What test kits do I need at a minimum ? I know pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate & phosphorus ... do I need copper, calcium and what else ?
Can you think of anything else I need to start off with so I can purchase them over a little while and not break the bank the first week
Thanks for your patience and help in advance. I am so excited I don't want to ruin it by messing up and getting frustrated and turning it into a really giant freshwater display :Yikes:
Bonnie