1. running carbon. Personally I don't EXCEPT if I have a pollution problem, a death, a couple of corals spitting at each other [invisibly, but they're shriveling up.] It sops up biochemicals. The downside is --- if left in there too long it will start to break down and slowly release every bad thing it stored. Never forget a carbon bag. A few weeks, no more.
2. Polyfilter: this is for a chemical problem of an 'I dunno what' variety. It can also absorb metals. If junior stored the TV remote in your tank for an hour, yes, a sample strip of polyfilter to see if there IS a problem (it turns color, and can be diagnostic of what the contaminant is) ---and more polyfilter if it looks to have found a problem.
3. extra salt---because if you can;t solve your problem by carbon or filter, and you know something's really wrong---moving what's alive and still healthy to a spare container of new salt water with everything back to original balance is a good move. Be aware salt water has to mix until crystal clear (a strong mixing pump is a good thing to have on hand) before its safe to use, but being in clean water with a simple floss filter (changed fanatically often) is not a bad situation, even with bare bottom and no rock, or few rocks---compared to being in bad water. This is a go-to for when everything has gone badly off, or when junior has dumped milk and cookies into the tank. If it';s an idiot guest with a martini, don't panic---vodka is not going to hurt it. Just retrieve the olive. And I' m not kidding. Your fish and corals will probably will be fine.
DO be careful with glass cleaner, furniture polish or oils, and scented room sprays or candles. A week after week spritzer armed with ammonia cleaner, or antimicrobial scrubs or scented candles or sprays is a must-have discussion. Also beware of leaving fishfood in sight----especially with children. Helping daddy and mommy feed the fishies can lead to independent feed-fests. And if you have rowdy parties, batten down the tank cover or keep an eagle eye on problem guests: pennies tossed in the tank are poison.
2. Polyfilter: this is for a chemical problem of an 'I dunno what' variety. It can also absorb metals. If junior stored the TV remote in your tank for an hour, yes, a sample strip of polyfilter to see if there IS a problem (it turns color, and can be diagnostic of what the contaminant is) ---and more polyfilter if it looks to have found a problem.
3. extra salt---because if you can;t solve your problem by carbon or filter, and you know something's really wrong---moving what's alive and still healthy to a spare container of new salt water with everything back to original balance is a good move. Be aware salt water has to mix until crystal clear (a strong mixing pump is a good thing to have on hand) before its safe to use, but being in clean water with a simple floss filter (changed fanatically often) is not a bad situation, even with bare bottom and no rock, or few rocks---compared to being in bad water. This is a go-to for when everything has gone badly off, or when junior has dumped milk and cookies into the tank. If it';s an idiot guest with a martini, don't panic---vodka is not going to hurt it. Just retrieve the olive. And I' m not kidding. Your fish and corals will probably will be fine.
DO be careful with glass cleaner, furniture polish or oils, and scented room sprays or candles. A week after week spritzer armed with ammonia cleaner, or antimicrobial scrubs or scented candles or sprays is a must-have discussion. Also beware of leaving fishfood in sight----especially with children. Helping daddy and mommy feed the fishies can lead to independent feed-fests. And if you have rowdy parties, batten down the tank cover or keep an eagle eye on problem guests: pennies tossed in the tank are poison.
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