Re General Questions/Marine Set-Up 11/1/09 Hello James, <Mark> The shop tested the water today. The salinity is at 1.024, pH is at 8.05, ammonia and nitrite at 0, nitrate at 25, KH at 10. Thanks again for your time. -Mark <On to your query.> -Hello Team- <Hello Mark. I've read your query, and before I go on, I would like to know your water parameters, pH, dKH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. James (Salty Dog)> I have a 55 gallon saltwater tank with about 30 lbs. of live rock, a standard Aqueon filter and an aerator. I had this tank for about 9 months now. It's been a ride, to say the least, but one that I have enjoyed since deciding to go 'salt' after growing up watching dad maintain a 30 gallon freshwater tank. I have a few general questions that may or may not have been answered on your site. Actually, I've done so much reading on your site over the past few months I'm probably confusing myself. lol <Or not reading enough.> But anywho, here are the ?s 1-How many pounds of live rock are actually needed for a 55 gallon setup? <Can depend on the system. In yours, I'd likely go with 75 pounds and that also depends on the density of the rock. Simply put, your tank should look well stocked with live rock as you have no useful biological filtration other than the rock.> 2-The livestock in my tank consist of a 4" Foxface, <Your system is too small to support this fish.> a 2" Cinnamon Clown, a 1" Yellow Tailed Damsel, a 2" pink pseudo, and a 3" Orange Spotted Goby. How many more fish can I afford to add to this tank, as I would like to see as many species, colors, and variations as possible without overstocking. <You are at your stocking level now with what you have. The Foxface should be in nothing smaller than a 70 gallon tank, and I might add that the Foxface doesn't look too health to me. Do read here. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rabbitfi.htm> 3-Considering the aforementioned question, I've had some deaths over the 9 months, and it seems that I cannot keep certain types of fish. I've had a Raccoon Butterflyfish, a Hippo tang (that I REALLY wanted), <Again, tank too small and lack of better filtration.> a Blue-Eyed Filefish (sorry I cant remember its specific name), a Bi-Color Angel and a Lemon Angel that have all died in a similar manner over this time period. <Again, tank size and lacking conditions to their liking. Have you ever researched a fish as to it's requirements/needs before buying? Did you feel you had a system that could support a particular fish in good health?> They all seem to look fine for the first few days to a week. It then appears that they either aren't eating or stop eating. They become lethargic or they don't swim much, almost as if they are becoming antisocial, and then, death comes. <Likely poor water conditions and diet. Sensitive fish will not take too well with a nitrate level of 25ppm.> What is the problem with all of these wonderfully-colored fish? I've been told at the shops that the fish that I have are just "hardy" unlike the ones that have died. <Better not to take one person's advice, but to read/learn/ask others.> 4-I've read on here that using tap water with a dechloraminator is a good way to maintain proper pH and dKH.... <I'd like to read that article, nonsense.> or should I be using the RO water that's being offered at the shops? <You should consider improving your filtration system for starters. Too much to say here, but will link you to our marine index. Do read/learn before acting. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm> I've been taking my water to a few local shops to have it tested, and they've all been saying the same thing - -that the KH level is not high enough. What seems to be the problem? Is this the reason for the livestock deaths that I already mentioned? Not solely, again read. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/alkalinity.htm> FYI, I do a 9gal water change every two weeks, and when I add the saltwater back in I add marine buffer and a standard dechloraminator. Should I continue to add buffer on a weekly basis? or should I add buffer to the tank at all? <I'm guessing you have no test kits re "taking the water for testing". You need to purchase needed test kits such as pH, dKH, nitrate, and a specific gravity tester. Sounds to me like you got into this hobby without a hint of knowledge about how to care for and maintain.> 5-Is cleaning the glass of the algae and growth a good thing or no? <Is a good idea if you want to see what's inside the tank.> 6-When I bought the setup, it came with a standard fluorescent bulb for the size of the tank. As a 'youngster' I recall that this is ok for freshwater species. Is this the case for saltwater? I'd rather have the 'cool look' that comes from the 'purplish tint' of the UV lighting I see at the shops. <Not UV, but lighting in the blue spectrum, 420-460nm. Standard fluorescent lamps are fine for fish only systems, but nothing at all wrong with using the bluer lighting for marine use. The bluer lighting reduces algae growth somewhat.> How many hours should the light be on? I know consistency is the key with lighting. <With live rock present and possible light loving organisms present, a 10 hour per day photoperiod would be fine. Again, more reading here also.> 7-I'd really like to expand and have a system with corals. Is this possible at this time? <Where you are at right now, I would not attempt it. Gain some knowledge to a point where you feel comfortable about the hobby before attempting keeping corals.> I know the lighting requirements are different, but what about compatibility issues with the livestock I already have in place, as well as any other issues? Please give me your critique. <Please read, all present on our site, refer to index I provided.> 8-The Foxface I has changes colors often (as I know that this is an indicator of its stress level, from what I have been told and read)...sometimes it's the nice yellow color that I see on the fish at the store, and other times it's the pale brownish-yellow color that seems to tell me it's stressed. <It likely is, water conditions/space.> At night, his whole body spikes up and he turns into a 'monster' (smile). Is this normal activity? What can I do to get the beautiful yellow color that I've seen at the shops at all times? <Improve conditions/read.> 9-Do I need a powerhead and skimmer? I have a brownish algae (or something) that is covering the tops of the liverock, it looks undesirable, but I'm wondering is it just detritus or is there a circulation issue? <Read please, do not have the time to discuss basic set-up of systems, all found on our site.> 10-The temperature is around 76 degrees. . .I've read that an ideal temp. for saltwater is between 75-80, so am I within the right parameters? <Yes.> 11-In terms of feeding, I've been using TetraMin flakes and frozen greens. Is TetraMin better than the food that they are selling in these shops? It seems to give me clearer water, if nothing else. <I have no idea what brands individual shops are selling.> *I've also attached three (3) pictures of the tank, all taken in the morning when the light was first turned on (hence the foxface's spotted colors [smile] ) Thanks again for all of your time answering these questions. I really appreciate all the work you guys do. I'm on a budget but I do know that most times you pay for what you get when it comes to maintaining a healthy aquarium. <With care, a marine system can be successfully kept on a budget. Many DIY projects available by Googling.> I know the questions are lengthy, but you guys appear to be the experts in the field, and I figure I'd better ask all the questions at once :) <Yes, and all the info you seek has been penned by experienced professionals and is found on our site. Please take the time to read/learn. Your basic questions are easily found. My intention is not to be rude in anyway, but by reading your query, very little reading/learning has been done on your part. We just do not have the time to take individuals by the hand and lead them through the stages of this hobby step by step, is why articles were written/placed. James (Salty Dog)> -Mark, St. Louis, Missouri

Beginner Marine Aquarium Questions 10/20/2009
Hi Crew,
<Hi Mark.>
I have two freshwater tanks for years (20 and 55 gallons) and I think I'm ready to start my first saltwater aquarium.
<Welcome to the hobby\madness!>
I'm trying to read as much as I can, but still have a few questions.
My tank is going to be 55 gallon, fish only with live rock and protein skimmer.
Power filter is not necessary. Is it correct?
<Not necessary, but some sort of mechanical filtration is recommended.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/filtration/marineFiltr.htm >
How many power heads do I need? What is an optimal total flow?
<Optimally, at least 10 times the water volume - so in your case, at least 550 gallons per hour. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/circmarart.htm >
Regarding stocking, I'd like to have an easy going hardy community with minimal aggression. I'm thinking about a pair of false percula clowns and a single royal gramma.
I also like to have school of Banggai cardinals. What is the maximum number of cardinals, I may safely add to this tank?
<In my opinion, and granted, I tend to be conservative, 55 gallons is going to be very tight. Clowns can be rather aggressive, particularly when spawning. They can and will bite you I would not add more than three Cardinals and then watch very closely>
Will conspecific aggression take place here?
<There will be some aggression between the clowns until a 'pecking order' is worked out, and there is always potential for aggression in the cardinals, particularly if they feel crowded.>
<Read more about stocking here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/stocking1.htm
>
Will be able this tank to hold one or two cleaner shrimps (haven't decided on the species yet)
<That should not be a problem. Do let the tank age a bit before adding them.>
What is your opinion about this kind of the tank?
<In my opinion, you would be better served by getting larger tank - a 75 gallon makes a very good starter tank for SW. It gives you some 'room' to have a few varieties of fish, plus you have some additional stability with your water parameters - a big plus when you are just getting your feet wet.>
Any help greatly appreciated.
<There are a bunch of articles on this page that will help you through the transition.: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/marsetupindex1.htm >
Thanks,
Mark
<MikeV>

New SW Tank Setup: Lots of Things to Learn. 10/20/2009
Hi guys,
<Hi Beverlee.>
My husband and I have just set up our first aquarium (salt).
<Welcome to the hobby.>
We got water while at the ocean.
<Generally, not the best idea. Water close to the beach likely contains pollutants due to water runoff from shore, traces of sewage, and greatly increases the risk of introducing parasites and disease to your tank. Do read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seawater.htm >
I got a couple 5 gallon buckets to get some sand as well.
<Not the best idea for the same reasons.>
Much to our surprise, we had 2 starfish in the buckets that we found out only after we put the sand into the tank. They are both alive (so far).
<Emphasis on "so far"...>
I have tried researching as best I can. I have a couple big concerns.
<Ok.>
First of all, I understand that invertebrates are more sensitive than fish to the elements of a new and cycling tank. Is this correct?
<Yes, Invertebrates are extremely sensitive.>
I do not want these guys to not make it.
One of the starfish is a grey color and the other started off a brick red color. I notice that the red one has been changing color and is now very dull grey in comparison to what it was when we first discovered it.
<Not a good sign. Normally, I am against this, but in this instance, since everything came from the beach, you should consider returning them to the ocean.>
Can I go to the beach and just pick snails etc for them to eat?
<No, for the same reasons as listed above, plus collecting livestock in your area may be prohibited by law.. Special licenses are usually required. Here in Florida, the fines can be very steep.>
I keep reading about how they do such an efficient job cleaning sand that they eventually starve to death.
<Yes, plus they need very stable systems, one that have aged a while.
Yours is too new to support such life. Further, without a picture or better description, it is entirely possible that these starfish are unsuitable for captivity at all. Do read here to see if you can identify them:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seastars.htm >
Next, since my tank is only 2 weeks old, I am afraid that toxic levels of ammonia etc will get the best of these two little treasures. Any advice?
<Much to read here. You are going to have to familiarize yourself with biological filtration and the nitrogen cycle. Understanding this is critical to keeping any sort of fish in captivity. Further, you will have to purchase some test kits to monitor your water quality. read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/estbiofiltmar.htm >
I had no intention on getting these until I knew what I was doing with a tank, now that I "accidentally" scooped them up in sand, I'm not sure what is best.
<I would return them to where they were found.>
My final question. I have been told by the local fish store (salt) that for my tank to cycle properly that we need to have fish in it.
<Not true.>
Again, I don't want anything to die due to the toxic levels that I was told a tank goes through when first cycling. Please correct me if I am wrong. We listened to what we were told and caught some tiny grunts (about an inch or just over) seeing we didn't want to spend a lot of money on fish that we understood might not make it.
<Introducing wild caught livestock without any sort of quarantine again risks introducing disease and parasites into your tank.>
I feel very torn about this. I don't want to put any living animal through torture but also understand that this whole "cycling" process is necessary. Could you please direct me for a good start?
<The article above on establishing biological filtration I linked above has some excellent pointers.>
Our tank is 65 gallons. We have a couple of the tiny grunts, 3 hermit crabs and 2 starfish. Thank you in advance for your time.
<The first thing I would do is return the fish and sea stars back to the ocean. They have no business in your tank and will likely die otherwise.
Next, you need to do some reading. I would suggest you start at the beginning here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_5/volume_5_3/first_steps.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marineSetUp.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marsetupii.htm >
<Those articles will give you an idea of what steps to take and what needs to be done to have a successful salt water tank. Also, on the bottom of every page, there is a Google Search box. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to write back. We'll have you on the right track in no time at all..>
Beverlee
<MikeV>

Starting Up/Marine Set-Up 9/28/09
Good morning crew!!!
<Hello Matt>
I think I may have just messed things up, I will explain. I currently have a 55gal saltwater tank set up with live rock and only 2 common clownfish stocked. I had a terrible outbreak of bubble algae and aiptasia so I am tearing down the 55gal and starting over. I set up a 10 gal to house my livestock while I am in the process of moving my 55gal. First, here are my water param.s on the new 10gal.
Ammonia = 0
Nitrate = 0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
PH = 8.4
The water quality
<Parameters are good, but not necessarily water quality, do keep in mind.>
as you can see is very good, but now for my problem. I purchased some live rubble rock for the 10gal so I would have some...appx 7 lbs, and about 1" of live sand. This rock was already cured and has some nice coralline algae already. I have had this tank running for about a week now but have been running the skimmer the entire time. This is where I think I screwed up. I read last night that I should not have run the skimmer until I had an ammonia spike convert to nitrate then to nitrite. I am ready to restart my 55gal so want to move my fish over to the 10 asap, but am worried that even though the water param.s are all good, I may not have gone through the cycle of a new setup. Please let me know if this is problem or if you think I am fine to continue.
<No screw ups, the live rock/sand likely has enough bacteria present for denitrification. Do read here and linked files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/setup/filtration/biological/biofiltr.htm>
Thanks in advance for your help on this.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Matt