Brackish setup HELP!

[DeathOPS]

Hi, im new to brackish setup after being in FW for 2 years. Was thinking to change my 55 gal to brackish. The fish i gonna keep would be G.tile and toadfish. Going to use sand as substrate.

I hoping that anyone can advice on how the setup would be and what equipment i need?

I heard that FW and Brackish setup is no different other than the use of marine salt is it true?

Can i use a Over Head Filter for a brackish setup?

If i were to do water change, i read that im suppose to prepare the water which is mix with the salt then pour it into the tank, but do i need to leave the water 1 or 2 days before pouring in? or can it be added after mixture?

 

[Miguel]

You can use all the equipment/media you use with FW.
Salt is mixed and, in my case, poured in. Some, however, let it sit for some hours before pouring in.

What you need is a "densimetre "- a device to measure the salinity of the water.

Salinity should be 1.012. ( 1000 is FW; 1.024 is SW )

Do not forget that your media, used to FW will die off, so you will have to cycle the whole thing again, ok?

 

[DeathOPS]

Hey thanks man!! yup i read about the cycling thing and will do it.. Just some other question,

As i was thinking to use sand, how can i adjust the pump to make sure that it does not suck in the sand and if it does, will it clot my OHF?
Or should i use a HOB or sponge filter?

And can pvc pipes be used? will the brackish water affect it or like cause some chemical reaction?

 

[Miguel]

PVC is awfull. But can be used.

The pump will not get sand if it is mounted high enough in relation to the sand bed.

 

[DeathOPS]

why is PVC awfull?? looks or chemically?

Hmmm but if i put it too high not much filtration is done right??

Sorry if im asking alot of question as i really want this setup to be a success, thanks alot though!!

 

[Miguel]

awfull because it looks awfull. you can do a lot of caves and stuff with stones and wood.

the pump intake being high has no impact on filtration. the pump sucks the same amount of water.

when you do the wc's you just have to take water from the deep ( avoid sucking the sand ) to take out all the heavy stuff that is deposited near the tank's bottom.