new aquarium setup

orb4me · 08-01-2008, 06:44 PM

You might want to look at some of the saltwater tank pictures that are posted, I dont know if you can or not.

Have you got the 20 gal tank ready to start? I think setting it up is the fun part. I've already bought the background, and theres nothing in the tank to speak of yet

mikeyb · 08-01-2008, 07:01 PM

yeah its all ready, i cleaned out the old tank, all i need now is to order the protein skimmer, run the hosing for the air stones, setup the sand and add the water

501scionxb · 08-02-2008, 01:37 AM

using air stones will cause alot of salt spray.

mikeyb · 08-02-2008, 11:23 AM

i was reading before that if you lose water to evaportation you dont add more salt when you add more water to fill the tank...is this true? also, do you need live sand to start a tank? i wasnt planning on using it but if its needed i will

mikeyb · 08-06-2008, 12:44 PM

does anyone know if the 'Fission nano skimmer' is a decent skimmer for my size tank?

Dr.Fragenstein · 08-06-2008, 05:22 PM

I have seen/heard nothing but negative about the Nano, great idea poor model

Judge · 08-06-2008, 07:37 PM

Hi MikeyB It probably at this point seems a little confusing. I know, it was for me. First, let me say that there is no substitute for reading everything you can get your hands on. Compare this piece of equipment vs. another one. There seems to be some argument over what exactly is a nano. Some say 20 or less. I use a Aqua C Remora and think it's great. The one I have might be a little overkill for a 20 but they do come in different sizes, easy to use and mine is a real work horse.
Next, I would definitely use live sand for the same reasons as live rock.
Lastly, as far as replacing the water that has evaporated think about it this way. It is called top off water. You will notice the salt creep along the edges? The reason for this is that the water is the only thing that is evaporating. The salt content is still basically unchanged. You are only replacing what has been lost which is plain (RO/DI) water. I hope this helps. don't be bashful about asking and remember there is no such thing as a silly question except maybe the one that isn't asked. We are here to help.

mikeyb · 08-08-2008, 10:25 PM

the tank setup =] lots of sand substrate, protein skimmer is being added monday, the salinity is very low right now and so is the ph,
salinity: 1.012
Ph: 7.6
ill be adding salt this week as soon as i see its not changing for sure, hopefully will raise the ph as well =]
do any of you recommend plastic plants or no?
thanks

orb4me · 08-11-2008, 06:14 PM

Is that blue rock called Lamar Stone? If it is, it will get a darker blue before long, I have a chunk of it, but Im not sure if its safe for the tank!!!

I really like your set up so far!!!

Dr.Fragenstein · 08-11-2008, 07:09 PM

I would definetly raise the specific gravity!! You have like a brackish tank at the moment