javos24
10-28-2003, 4:11 AM
Hi everybody. I'm new here. I have been keeping tropical fish for about two and a half years but I am now thinking about leaving tropical fish and going into marine. I have a Jewl Reckord 96. I was wondering how many times and how much salt you need to change (also what is the average price of salt) and was kind of filter do I need and which fish are the most easy to keep. Once I know the answers I will be asking a lot more questions! Thanks
Joey D
10-28-2003, 5:09 AM
Well, welcome to marine. Marine does get a little more costly if your planning on having anemones and corals, which im sure you will. If you want a fish only aquarium, then the only extra expense would really just be buying salt. I can get a bag of instant ocean sea salt, good for 50 gallons, for 9.99. Changing the water all depends on how loaded your tank is, and how mature it is. just moniter the chemical levels, and when things look bad, change some water. Once your tank is mature, your only real problem is usually high nitrates(as long as your adding bacteria weekly), which is lowered by water changes. Some people go a few weeks before water changes, maybe longer. It all depends on how many fish are in your tank, and how much you care about providing excellent conditions. I change 15-20% of my water about every week, but I have a relatively small tank. But if things are lookin good, I may put it off for another week. In my experiance though, once i start slackin, fish start dying, and algae becomes a problem. Ive always been told to change 20% weekly. Buy yourself an adequately sized filter and a protien skimmer(a must). Need anymore help, just ask!
mogurnda
10-28-2003, 7:18 AM
Hello and welcome!
I will start with my usual strong suggestion to get a few books. The ones I have found most useful and up to date are Bob Fenner's Conscientious Marine Aquarist and John Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums. You should be able to get them online for $25-30 (convert currencies appropriately). I have yet to meet anyone who has regretted reading them.
Before you think about putting water in the tank, it's a really, really good idea to decide what kind of tank you want to have. Fish only, fish only plus live rock and mobile invertebrates, reef? That will dictate your filtration and lighting needs.
As far as how often to change water, I have a very small tank and change 20-25% every 1-2 weeks. Others change less often.