Last week I placed an order for a 320gallon aquarium. I won't get it for another 6-8 weeks due to build times, so I've been planning other components. I've designed my wet/dry filter for the system and due to finances I was thinking of either adding a drip system ~40 - 60 gallons a day or a higher end UV unit... well not high end, but in the $500 range. My preference would be the drip, but I have a few concerns that I was hoping you all could give me some ideas on, or let me know that the drip may not be the best route.
The tank is a lake Tanganyika set up, therefore I want to maintain a high ph (over 8.0). My concern is my tap water is about 7.4ph and I was concerned having it constantly dripping in would keep the ph lower than I would want. Right now I have a 125 setup with a store bought cichlid substrate (crushed shells, etc) and it is holding around 8.3-8.5 just from the substrate. I am not currently adding salts, but plan on doing so once they are delivered as I have read that the fish from the lake will show better coloration. My thought was once a week just dosing with salts and a little baking soda based on some calculations of dilution. I'm not sure though how well this will work and I don't want constantly fluctuating water conditions.
So with that said, if I forgo the drip, my plan would be just to do weekly 50% water changes and add a UV unit like the aqua 57watt. Your thoughts? Especially from anyone who has to buffer their water for their fish.
The tank is a lake Tanganyika set up, therefore I want to maintain a high ph (over 8.0). My concern is my tap water is about 7.4ph and I was concerned having it constantly dripping in would keep the ph lower than I would want. Right now I have a 125 setup with a store bought cichlid substrate (crushed shells, etc) and it is holding around 8.3-8.5 just from the substrate. I am not currently adding salts, but plan on doing so once they are delivered as I have read that the fish from the lake will show better coloration. My thought was once a week just dosing with salts and a little baking soda based on some calculations of dilution. I'm not sure though how well this will work and I don't want constantly fluctuating water conditions.
So with that said, if I forgo the drip, my plan would be just to do weekly 50% water changes and add a UV unit like the aqua 57watt. Your thoughts? Especially from anyone who has to buffer their water for their fish.
all the best, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!