What else do I need?

[sage_commander]

I'm very close to being ready to order (or buy) my live rock.

I'm going to be ordering a powerhead and heater tonight (possibly) for preparing the salt water. I'm also going to get a container to mix it in (rubbermaid brute, right?)

So what else will I need? I know I'll need test kits - am I just testing for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to start?

I have a measuring device for specific gravity.

What else will I need? Thanks for the help.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

will the heater and powerhead be for mixing ONLY or will it be used in the tank as well? If they're just to be mixing stuff...i sure wouldnt pay a whole lot...whatever is strong and cheap is what i'd get.

I would also get a pH test. And what brand of tests are you getting? Dont skimp on those...cheap ones dont work very well and can be inaccurate. I recommend salifert.

And what are you using for specific gravity? A hydrometer or refractometer? hydrometers arent that accurate most of the time...cheap...but you get what you pay for.

 

[drummereef]

I'd get a Salifet Alkalinity and Calcium test kit while you are spending $$$.

 

[sage_commander]

The powerhead and heater are for mixing only; I have a heater already for the tank. I was just going to get a 200W theo and mj 1200.

I have the tropic marin floating hydrometer. The main reason I got it is because of the high repeatability.

I forgot about ph and alk, check. Do I need to test for calcium right out of the chute? I'm doing FOWLR, for starters at least.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

i cant believe i'm doing this, but i'm gonna recommend just ordering from aquatraders for your pump and heater for just a mixing container.

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=290

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=163

just your basic cheapo pump and heater does the trick for mixing.

IMO you dont need calcium just now since its just fowlr. Not sure about alk either...i never did for FOWLR and never had problems.