Powerheads and Ro?

[Ricky1066]

Hello I am new I posted yesterday got some help thanks But can someone tell me with ro/di is?

also I asked but did not get an answer about my tank I just started my 75 gallon tank yesterday added salt and live sand the numbers are correct and I know it has to sit for a few weeks But am I supposed to add anything to it while it is sitting? I have a heater temp is 80 ..

A rock small fish Damsel ? live shrimp to get the process moving I read something about a reef to get the Nitrogen going Not sure any help how about powerheads Do I need them now or wil I in the future

Again I knwo I have to wait a few weeks to add fish But is there anything else I need to add now PLease be specific

 

[taillonjohn]

RO/DI is Reverse Osmosis/De-inionised (spell check). Basically super pure water.

To start a cycle, I normally just feed my tank as if it was heavily stocked. Some people toss in peices of frozen shrimp from the grocery store, some people toss in damsel fishes..... basically, you need to put something in their that will cause rot and bacteria, so the cycle can start

If you want to have a reef tank, then yes you will eventually need to have water flow in your tank. Different animals/corals have different water flow requirements, so how much flow you will need depends on what you eventually want in your tank

 

[seapug]

Just to make sure-- the water should not be "sitting." You want to have all pumps/powerheads running or it'll go stagnant and turn stale and nasty. You don't need to put any fish or cocktail shrimp in the tank to cycle it. Put some live rock in there and it will happen just the same. Let it run for a couple weeks then you can slowly start stocking.

 

[Ricky1066]

WEll As of now it is clear from the live sand The temp is 80 degrees and the hydrometer is in the right range i have the fluval 405 running and that is it ...

Now I will go and buy a live rock But let me ask this I read about curing and other stuff is that what i have to do or just buy Different rocks I think it has to be 40 ounds of rock is that one or multiple ones Not sure and then I will get a power head Correct?

 

[seapug]

Don't mean to sound like a cranky jerk, but can you please use periods? Or is your keyboard broken? My brain runs out of breath when I read your posts.

If you buy rock from an aquarium shop it will probably already be cured. If not it's no big deal because you are cycling your tank. The curing process of the rock will provide the ammonia/ bacteria innoculation the tank needs to cycle.

 

[Ricky1066]

oK I Just got back form my pet store. I bought 73 pounds of rock. That was the fastest $900 I ever spent. Now I am told to just leave it for about 2 weeks and I am good to start adding fish slowly..

 

[skippy2]

You will need test kits. Ammonia--NitrIte--NitrAte--Ph. Don't add any fish or snails till the ammonia and nitrIte are at 0. Once these are at 0 you will need to do a water change. Test your water again and if the tests still show 0 then you can add your cleanup crew (snails and hermits). It's a tedious process but needs to be done. Spend the time researching what you would like to keep in the tank. Be sure to ask questions. Some fish stores are known to say anything to make the next sale. I would recommend you ask here first before you buy any livestock.

 

[Ricky1066]

Ok will do But was he right in the first place to just leave the tank Now for a week before anytests? I have the kit He said to wait.

Then he said I can start with Damsels but he did ot say anything about water changes.. I am assuming each time I do a water change I might have to add salt?

 

[skippy2]

You could certainly wait a week to test your water. I personally would do it on the 3rd day after starting. I would not, however, start with Damnsels. Spelled wrong intentionally First off, it wouldn't be fair to the damnsel to have to suffer through ammonia burns which is sure to happen. Secondly, damnsels will harrass any 'nice' fish you want to add. They are extremely territorial and are a PITA to get out of the tank. I am talking from personal experience. I didn't know any better either when I first tarted out.
Yes, with each wc you need to match the salinity, temperature and ph of the new water with the tank water. You will also need RO (fresh) water for the evaporation that does occur. In my tank, I add about a g. of RO everyday because of evaporation.

 

[Ricky1066]

wOW A gallon of water a day Wow Wow I have had the tank running for 4 days now no added water.

I have to be honest I love the fish Had no idea of the cost I have spent over $1400 in 4 days on it already and from what i hear I still need a ro/di things which is alot of money and a stronger light,and protein skimmer and last a sump tank.

Which I read about but still don't know what it is for .

Can someone tell me if I really need those additional things now or can thy wait a few months?

As for now I tested the water Amonia was 0 and the rest was ok the ph was 8.0 nitrite was5.0 did not do nitrate
Do I need to keep the light on In the tank during sometime for the rocks at this point?

I see things swaying on the rocks from the filter. BUt i was told I could use my fluval 4 plus as a powerhead ,and additional filter. But I am concerned it is too powerful and wil blow fish away Is there a certain power it should blow?

 

[Salamander]

Welcome to the addiction. My suggestion is to quit keeping track of the money you spend or else you'll never enjoy the hobby.

What you do all depends on what you want to keep. Start simple and do lots of research before you make any decisions. I compliment you on getting involved here on RC so early in the game.

An RO/DI is a pretty much a necessity in the long run, as are a skimmer and sump/fuge. They'll all reduce the headaches in the long run, help you become successful in providing the best conditions for your livestock but might make that eagle scream.

You can often purchase good water from your local fish store (LFS) or some other local water supply (culligan etc) but beware and have tested any machines (like at the grocery). Frequent water changes will help initially and then I'd recommend a skimmer as your next purchase. And a sump/fuge where you can grow macro algae for nutrient export and hide your heaters etc will be a worthwhile addition.

No need for lights right now but if you plan to stock corals you;'ll need some decent lights. T5 flourecents are some good bang for the buck, but like I said, do some research and choose what you want. There are soooo many choices.

Good flow is a must too. You'd be surprised at how much is beneficial and necessary for a marine tank. Lots of waves and flow in the ocean. This ain't no lake ecosystem.

Any way, good choice getting on RC to learn from the success, failure and experience of others. But remember only bad things happen fast, so take it slow and do your research.