It is funny how frequently when shopping in the fish store how many people are buying items they either forgot or merely didn't think of. This is especially so for marine aquariums. It is man's nature to jump right in with both feet and out the door goes the planning and especially making the list of what is needed for your new marine tank set-up. This however is not the fault of the beginner as they just don't know. So many how to guides seem to miss this part.
It's simple to say we need a tank, filters, pumps etc, but what about the prep and maintenance elements that are also required and most frequently neglected till we realize oops gotta go get that. Off you go to the store, buy the item only to get home, continue your project simply to find you need something else. Back to the store you go. Personally, I find this very annoying so I began making lists. The most important area forgotten about however , for the noob are the basic items wanted to maintain the tank itself. So I have a few extras that have to be added when putting together your first tank.
Marine aquariums are all about the water. When the tank loses water from evaporation, you need to top it up with filtered or distilled water. NOT city water. When you need to do your weekly water exchanges. You need to have ready made and balanced saltwater, NOT tap water. This is an area many amateurs completely forget. So in aid of the quandary, ensure you have the following to make everything easier.
1. Big Brute trash can with lid 55 gallon - This is to stir and contain your salt water until you use it for the tank.
2. Small plastic canoe paddle - for the initial gigantic stir of saltwater in the Brute.
3. Large stainless-steel stock pot - for melting the salt to contribute to the pure water in the Big Brute.
4. tiny submersible pump with hose (20 feet) - for pumping water from the Large Brute to the tank when required
5. Air stone with hose and pump - To keep the water in the Brute aerated.
6. Small power head - to keep the water in the Big Brute moving to help with aeration.
7. Submersable heater 150 watt thereabouts - to keep the water in the Brute at tank temperature.
8. Siphon - for evacuating the tank
9. Miscellaneous rubber grommets and clamps - for attaching hoses from the pump mounted inside the Brute to tank.
Those items should all be bought new. Then totally wiped clean with hot water and solvent free wipe. Any chemicals will infect your water.
Special note: NEVER USE METAL ITEMS (ONLY Stainless-steel) - this is salt water and they will rust and corrupt your water.
Beginners in most cases don't realize that you are largely maintaining two heaps of water. The water in the tank, and the water that will be used to exchange tank water. When a water change is done, it has to be done steadily. (siphon from the tank the filthy water) and pump the clean replacement water into the tank from the Brute. With the above kit, you can ensure the new saltwater is at the same temperature as the tank water and is also well aerated. Naturally while the replacement water is sitting in the Brute waiting for use, it should also be tested for PH levels to ensure it also balances with the tank water.
So in closing... Keep those items in mind when starting your first marine tank. They are potentially the most significant items for the proper care and replacing of salt water for your tank. This is something that really must be prepared ahead of time else you'll Have Problems. Remember it is about the water.
It's simple to say we need a tank, filters, pumps etc, but what about the prep and maintenance elements that are also required and most frequently neglected till we realize oops gotta go get that. Off you go to the store, buy the item only to get home, continue your project simply to find you need something else. Back to the store you go. Personally, I find this very annoying so I began making lists. The most important area forgotten about however , for the noob are the basic items wanted to maintain the tank itself. So I have a few extras that have to be added when putting together your first tank.
Marine aquariums are all about the water. When the tank loses water from evaporation, you need to top it up with filtered or distilled water. NOT city water. When you need to do your weekly water exchanges. You need to have ready made and balanced saltwater, NOT tap water. This is an area many amateurs completely forget. So in aid of the quandary, ensure you have the following to make everything easier.
1. Big Brute trash can with lid 55 gallon - This is to stir and contain your salt water until you use it for the tank.
2. Small plastic canoe paddle - for the initial gigantic stir of saltwater in the Brute.
3. Large stainless-steel stock pot - for melting the salt to contribute to the pure water in the Big Brute.
4. tiny submersible pump with hose (20 feet) - for pumping water from the Large Brute to the tank when required
5. Air stone with hose and pump - To keep the water in the Brute aerated.
6. Small power head - to keep the water in the Big Brute moving to help with aeration.
7. Submersable heater 150 watt thereabouts - to keep the water in the Brute at tank temperature.
8. Siphon - for evacuating the tank
9. Miscellaneous rubber grommets and clamps - for attaching hoses from the pump mounted inside the Brute to tank.
Those items should all be bought new. Then totally wiped clean with hot water and solvent free wipe. Any chemicals will infect your water.
Special note: NEVER USE METAL ITEMS (ONLY Stainless-steel) - this is salt water and they will rust and corrupt your water.
Beginners in most cases don't realize that you are largely maintaining two heaps of water. The water in the tank, and the water that will be used to exchange tank water. When a water change is done, it has to be done steadily. (siphon from the tank the filthy water) and pump the clean replacement water into the tank from the Brute. With the above kit, you can ensure the new saltwater is at the same temperature as the tank water and is also well aerated. Naturally while the replacement water is sitting in the Brute waiting for use, it should also be tested for PH levels to ensure it also balances with the tank water.
So in closing... Keep those items in mind when starting your first marine tank. They are potentially the most significant items for the proper care and replacing of salt water for your tank. This is something that really must be prepared ahead of time else you'll Have Problems. Remember it is about the water.
About the Author:
This hobbyist has been involved with salt water aquaria spasmodically for over 30 years. Sharing experiences and strategies for setting up a marine tank for newbies on his new site.
No comments:
Post a Comment