There may not be any bad questions but

[salty420]

I feel a bit stupid asking this question! My tank is just starting up (running like 4 days now) so this won't come into play for a bit but... when I do my water changes will I just be siphoning out water? I have a python I use to 'vacuum' my FW tank, but do you vacuum the substrate in SW? I assume no of course but I really don't know. I'd think that the suction would suck up sand and disturb any thing living in the sand, right? If so then I'd be looking at doing a 10-15% water change weekly... what's the best way to have the new water ready? I have a 5 gallon bucket I thought I could use. How far in advance to you have to mix the water? Should there be some sort of aeration in the bucket? How do YOU do it? And sorry if this has been gone over a hundred times, feel free to post a link to previous posts. Kat

 

[rbell219]

No vacuuming - yes t will disturb the creatures.
I use 5 gallon buckets and I mix my water 12 hours in advance. No aerator, no heater - never had any issues. I change 25-30% every two weeks.

 

[lotuskid]

I personally haven't had to vacuum my sand...yet. The shrimp and hermits are keeping it quite clean so far.

I got a few plastic food safe 15ltr tubs that i make my saltwater up in.
Worked out roughly the amount of salt needed, quick mixed it together then put a heater and air pump in for a few hours, or overnight.
The more times you do it the easier it gets. Hard at first to get the salt to water ratio spot on but it comes with practice.

If you need to know anything else just ask. Plenty of people on here always willing to help.

 

[salty420]

Thanks guys!