I have a BUNCH of questions! (HELP)

[fishdoc11]

I definately think the $26 a year is worth it just for what you get here on RC. Plus the search engine does work much better when you do.......but as Don says it's not perfect. The "higher up's" have been working on the problem for a while now and hopefully are getting close to a solution. Unfortunately with the amount of information aquired on this site over the years it's not just a matter of adding more servers which would be relatively easy.
Chris

 

[Anchovy]

Any suggestions on a Refractometer?

I am going to clean the tank tomorrow, but I'm not sure what to use. Normally I would use vinegar and a good scrubbing. Rinse very well and let dry. My problem is I can't take this out to the back yard to give a good rinse with the hose. I planned on using the shop vac to get the sand and other junk out of the bottom. The back of the tank is the most covered, but it is just coralline algae, could I just leave it on there? Or should I chance it? Thanks again!

 

[fishdoc11]

A razor blade with a plastic handle has allways worked best for me (my posts in this thread have been assuming the tank is glass). You can get one at Home Depot, Lowes etc.....for a few dollars. You just have to carefull around the seams. This will also work when the tank is full and in operation.
Chris

 

[fishdoc11]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11681311#post11681311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishdoc11
A razor blade with a plastic handle has allways worked best for me (my posts in this thread have been assuming the tank is glass). You can get one at Home Depot, Lowes etc.....for a few dollars. You just have to carefull around the seams. This will also work when the tank is full and in operation.
You should be able to get a decent refractometer for $60 or so if I remember correctly although I don't have suggestions of any brands handy.
Chris

 

[Runner]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11681128#post11681128 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Anchovy
Any suggestions on a Refractometer?

I would say it is a must. You can buy one for $40 or $50 online and they are well worth it. I went my first year using only a swing-arm hydrometer and I suppose it worked well for a while. Then my few corals (palythoas) closed up for 5 months. I tried everything. Finally, I took my water in and had the salinity tested -- it read 1.019 when my swing-arm said 1.024. I corrected the problem slowly and a couple paly polyps opened up again but were sickly and never again prospered. I consider a refractometer to be my most important piece of test equipment.

 

[edwar050]

I would reccomend getting one of these
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~AF1311.html
and attaching it to a mag float. The scaper blade works extremely well and keeps your hands out of the water which is a huge plus. You can leave the coraline but it will turn white and flake off. If you have a razor blade it would be alot easier to remove now. Also, if you were interested in painting the back black/blue or bottom now would be the time and the best spraypaint is krylon fusion.
I agree with nearly all that was said above as well, some great advice.

 

[Anchovy]

Does the tank need to sit on a piece of foam on top of the stand? Looks like everyone has a different opinion. Basically I just want to know if you have a big tank and if you have it on the foam! If so what kind and where did you get it? Thanks!

 

[imsqueak]

It's a good idea. Get some "blue board" from HD or Lowes.

 

[EvilMel]

The foam that Don recommends is actually a good way to level your tank. If you buy a tank from Glass Cages, they actually won't give you a warrantee unless you put it on the foam (I found out b/c I bought one of their tanks).

Then what happens is that you have to shim it once you get the foam and see how remarkably uneven your tank is sitting. hah hah. You do this with things like thin pieces of wood or credit cards.

edit: HEY I do have something remotely useful to contribute! yay!