Fluval Evo Saltwater Startup
- Thread starter Potato Patatto
- Start date
Is there a time frame I should wait before adding corals? Any specific tests that I should be running on the water before adding?
Depends on type. General time frame is 1 month for softies, 3 months for lps, and 6-12 months before most sps.
Most soft corals don’t need anything special. Good calcium levels is important for sps and lps to build skeletons.
Like usual, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite should be low. Nitrate can be higher. pH and hardness shouldn’t be much of an issue considering saltwater is naturally alkaline and hard. Calcium and phosphates are also good to have a reading on. Calcium should be 380-450 and phosphate low. A good reef salt (I use reef crystals) helps keep them stable.
Perfect. Thanks so much for the response. I appreciate you guys for the guidance.
I am really enjoying this little tank. It is fun. The fire fish has taken up residency in rock/cave area and the royal the opposite side of the tank while the clown just bumbles all over the place.
I am really enjoying this little tank. It is fun. The fire fish has taken up residency in rock/cave area and the royal the opposite side of the tank while the clown just bumbles all over the place.
I’d give it some more time, maybe a month or more. Let the algea run its course, I think the best thing you can do is keep the lights on for less than 8 hours a day. You could add some phytoplankton and copepods too if you wanna try for more of a full lifecycle but it’s pretty touch in these little tanks. My 125 fresh is such a breeze compared to this thing lol
I definitely think copepods are a good idea. Them, amphipods, and mysis. Great little scavengers and they really add another dimension of life to the tank. Also good food for corals, fish, and inverts.
Coral will want more light, but 8 hours is a good rule of thumb when dealing with algae.
I agree about the work. Saltwater isn’t too difficult. But coral and its needs are where saltwater gets its reputation. Probably equal in maintenance to a large freshwater tank or some of the demanding oddballs.
Coral will want more light, but 8 hours is a good rule of thumb when dealing with algae.
I agree about the work. Saltwater isn’t too difficult. But coral and its needs are where saltwater gets its reputation. Probably equal in maintenance to a large freshwater tank or some of the demanding oddballs.
I’m liking the crabs/shrimp more than fish at this point, more entertaining and I think more intelligent
