Can't resist any longer !

[salpet]

you should use ro water otherwise you are just inviting all kinds of unwanted algae and remenber always add salt to water.good luck buddy

 

[Pimentinha]

As you have no corals, only turn the light when you are home to see the fish, otherwise you are asking for problems. (Algae)

Turn the blues on 1 to two hours before you go to bed so the fish can get used to going to sleep when that light comes one.
No need to leave the light one overnight. Waste of energy...

 

[watevadog5]

Ok so no whites during day unless I want to stare at my tank lol. Blues on for an hour or two before I go to bed, then off while I,sleep. Thank you! Also working on getting a rodi unit... anyone have one for sale??

 

[watevadog5]

Is it normal to sit in front of my tank for hours??

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

A few people selling rodi units , I believe 2 of them typhoon air water ice models , priced nicely too , one I believe was being sold by exclusive for 130 whitch is a good price and it was still in the box! Also yes it is totaly abnormaly normal to go into a trance in front of your tank for hours , wait till you got stuff growing and moving in that tank!!!!! Ohhhhh booy!

 

[dmort]

rodi

I would definitely get an RODI unit - although I purchased one from the get go - on the advice of some buds - so I don't know what it is like to not have one...

I bought mine from titan water pro - you can find them on their site or on ebay. It was cheaper... You should also get a TDS meter from amazon or something. If you use it routinely you'll know when you need to start changing filters in the RODI unit.

Finally, I found that owning the unit wasn't enough - think about the whole water change routine. How much space do you have and where you can store a big bucket or small trash can full of water. It is much nicer to make 20 or so gallons (or more depending on tank size) and then use 5-10 gallons at a time. I make water into a 22 gallon trashcan and then mix salt in a 5 gallon bucket. That also lets the RODI water come up to room temperature which should make mixing easier and depending on your relative room to tank temperature difference you might not need to heat the water before doing the change.

I'm lucky because I'm a science teacher and my tank is in my classroom. Plenty of room for buckets of water in the lab.

 

[watevadog5]

It's not that I'm against the rodi unit, I believe you guys when you say it's for the best. I'm just looking at my options that's all, I do appreciate the info I have gotten so far. As for the tank, all is well. Levels are all fine .. I test ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Considering I have no coral yet should I be looking for anything else? When I do start w coral what do I need to test for? Again I'm very thankful for all the help. PS.. absolutely fish on rt46 in nj has a 20% off sale July 4,5 and 6. Going to check it out.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Personally it's hard to get your water column balanced once you start with tap water ! But just keep an eye out for anything out of the norm

 

[watevadog5]

I know I'm prob getting annoying but what would I be looking for in terms of out of the norm?

 

[watevadog5]

Getting the itch for some corals... suggestions for some beginner's?

 

[Pimentinha]

Some zoas, candy canes, mushrooms...

 

[watevadog5]

Just looked at some images, great looking stuff! I think maybe this weekend if I think I'm ready for it. Thanks again !

 

[Pimentinha]

They are easy to care for. As long as your light is good.

 

[watevadog5]

After searching the web, I believe I have an older model of the new marineland reef capable LEDS. 54 in total 51 white, 3 blue. Toggle switch , which will probable get annoying when I finally try my hand at the corals.

 

[watevadog5]

Ok , question time. Just scored some cheato from a fellow site member. Put it in the filter w my carbon pad and bio balls. Question is how long should I run the light over it per day ??

 

[QueensRob]

Run it reverse light cycle. Basically when display lights are off, fuse lights are on.

 

[watevadog5]

So I run my blues 830p to 1030p and 430a to 630a. Run light on filter\cheato when not running blues?

 

[salpet]

How isyour calcium level try to get it as close to 400 as you can remember corals need it to grow good luck buddy

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

I have grown fond of this thread , hey dog I your ever in Brooklyn let me know I got some frags for you brotha , tagging along to watch you make your creation.

 

[watevadog5]

You guys are seriously awesome. I think Saturday I dive into simple corals. Going to test Friday n make sure I'm ready. You guys will be first to know!