Initial Research Into Marine

[Aries]

Ok, I am looking into getting into Marine (coming from FW - cichlids and plants - yes the same tanks). I tried searching here but could not find exact answers to my questions. I understand what to do for substrate and skimmer (those will be my filters), size is unknown - between 40 and 55 gallons. UV will not be used since I want coral eventually and I need lots of light - I know what to do there. Also need lots of water movement to keep things even.

Keep in mind that I have not fully finished all my research so if you have other ideas that might help me - let me know.

1.)
The main factor is RO - if I need it. I know it is recommended greatly but I can not (right now) justify the cost ($150+ in addition to everthing else). My tap water is (using FW tests) - This is what I test to put into my planted cichlid tanks:
PH = 7.6
KH = 13
GH = 23
NH3,4 = 0 ppm
NO2 = 0 ppm
NO3 = <= 2.0 ppm
Iron = <= .1
PO4 = Non existant
K = unknown - no test for it

I know calcium and magnesium carbonate are through the roof because my water comes from "The primary sources of ground water are limestone bedrock and unconsolidated sand and gravel deposits".

Is there anything else I need to look for in this?

The water does need dechlorinated majorly but that is easy to take care of.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Aries

 

[cthopper]

Since you live in a nice size city you could try water delivery. I have a 29 gallon set up that I bought a ton of RO for initially about 1 dollar a gallon, but have since went to Culligan water at Wal-Mart where I can fill up used containers (5 gallons a piece) for .33 a gallon. I went through these hardships because I live in a small town without good RO water delivery services. You can probably get a good price if you look around. I highly recommend using RO water if you plan on having any corals. In your research look into Protein Skimmers and if you are going to use a sump or not. Research Deep Sand Beds and substrates. Also research fish and inverts to see what is compatible. It is a lot of work, but very rewarding (and addictive).

 

[mogurnda]

The tap water may be fine. Zero nitrate would be good, but not absolutely essential. My main concern about tap water is copper and other metals.

How sensitive is your PO4 kit? There may be enought phosphate in the water to feed algae, but not show up on your kit.

 

[Aries]

My PO4 kit is pretty accurate because I need to make sure I am getting 20:1 ratio Nitrate to PO4 for my plants so I meaure down to about .20PPM for my kit (I keep about .50 ppm PO4 in my planted tanks).

What good test kits would I use to determine what is in my water for copper and other minerals? I have a water quality report from my water company but it is fairly old (early 2004) and I know they have been doing work on it because of problems with it (I live in a small city [ruralish] suburb of Dayton and we are growing well beyond our water facilities).

I will see if my WalMart carries that RO water as well (I have one not even 5 minutes from my place).

I have not researched fish and inverts to see what is compatible yet - I am looking at the hardware first to see if it is feasible within my budget. Once I get my equipment i will see what is good to keep (looking at the stickies here will help alot) together - but I am not that far yet. If I find that my equipment is not good or bad for them then I will change equipment - but I am builidng my base now.

Thanks!!!


[Edit]