New to salt water

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sbrodacz

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 9, 2009
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Illinois
As the title stats I am new to salt water. I just ordered http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+15493&pcatid=15493 I'd really like to set it up with some live sand and live rocks, similar to the way the website has the tank setup. I plan on getting a larger tank in a few months and wanted to get something a little smaller to get into the swing of things. What is the best route to take to get everything going? I've read through the cycling sticky. Since I'll be wanting to put live rock in, is it really best to do this to start the cycling? Would this cause the live rock to die? It's only a 6 gallon so I could put live sand in as well. I guess I pretty much need help setting this whole thing up :)
 
sbrodacz;3651886; said:
As the title stats I am new to salt water. I just ordered http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+15493&pcatid=15493 I'd really like to set it up with some live sand and live rocks, similar to the way the website has the tank setup. I plan on getting a larger tank in a few months and wanted to get something a little smaller to get into the swing of things. What is the best route to take to get everything going? I've read through the cycling sticky. Since I'll be wanting to put live rock in, is it really best to do this to start the cycling? Would this cause the live rock to die? It's only a 6 gallon so I could put live sand in as well. I guess I pretty much need help setting this whole thing up :)
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well first I just want to welcome you to the saltwater side of the hobby. Secondly the tank size is really small and you'll have to be perfect with your water chemistry since the water volume is so small any mistake can wipe out the system. Don't panic though if you add your live rock and sand you'll get your cycle do your water changes monthly of 50% till Ammonia, Nitrate, nitrite is 0. get your ph around 8.1-8.3, salinity should be around 1.020-1.025 next you'll want to get a heater to keep the tank around 78 degress. once you get the tank cycling you might want to pick up this book which is around 80 pages long but is a life saver for new and advanced hobbyist I read it once and a while just to practice my basics here is the link.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/14431/product.web

and please feel free to private message me anytime you have a question

mr.reef24
 
RoastReef;3652633; said:
You may want to consider an automatic top-off. Evaporation in a 6 gallon can cause salinity fluctuations pretty quickly.
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A topoff might be to big to fit in a 6 gallon. You need a sump for the ones I seen.


Just keep an eye on the water level because it will evaporate really fast in a 6 gallon with no top.
 
Thanks guys. I'll be keeping the tank right next to my bed on my night stand. I have an ro system with out the membrane running an automatic drip system on my ray tank. Would it be best to put the membrane back in and use the ro water for this salt water tank or is just filtered water ok?

Thanks Mr. Reef, I am sure I will be blowing your mailbox up a lot. :) I may have to use a buffer as my ph is 7.6 where I live.
 
Ah... new to SW you are... 6 gallons .... the whole tank parameters will be a bit hard to maintain and so be prepared. Do not attempt shortcuts - you will end up with the whole system destroyed. LR is a good thing... but watch out for the small devastaing hitch hikers like mantis shrimp and bristleworms. Some nano fish are sutible for a 6gallon but don't stock quick. as well, strong lights are needed if you want corals and some fish are more comfy with moon lights turned on at night. (some cowfish for example, because in the dark they get real freaked out!) PM me if you want...

Good luck!!
 
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