Setting up new tank

[Alucard]

Hi All newbie here,

I would like to have some advice on setting up of a 4" marine tank with a sump.

Objective:

1) sand in the tank.

2) would like to rear live beautiful corals/rocks as well as fishes.

Questions:

1) would like to know what are the things to note ( precautionary measures before things might happen such as uncontrolled algae etc)----things to buy?

1.1) How do I clean the sand or rocks when it gets 'dirty' (though its good bacteria, should I reduce it to a certain level? ('over good bacteria'))or should I not?

2.) What are the kits that i need to buy for the marine tank.---things to buy?

3) Type of salts to use.--- things to buy?

4.) What is required in the sump as I only have a pump for the moment.---things to buy?

5) Anything i have missed out from the above that i need to take note of?

6.) I could not locate the site or forum to really teach me step by step to set up a marine tank. ( eg 1. put sand, 2.put rocks. etc)

Thanks.

[dragonfly_sg]

Hi All newbie here,

I would like to have some advice on setting up of a 4" marine tank with a sump.

Objective:

1) sand in the tank.

2) would like to rear live beautiful corals/rocks as well as fishes.

Questions:

1) would like to know what are the things to note ( precautionary measures before things might happen such as uncontrolled algae etc)----things to buy?

1.1) How do I clean the sand or rocks when it gets 'dirty' (though its good bacteria, should I reduce it to a certain level? ('over good bacteria'))or should I not?

2.) What are the kits that i need to buy for the marine tank.---things to buy?

3) Type of salts to use.--- things to buy?

4.) What is required in the sump as I only have a pump for the moment.---things to buy?

5) Anything i have missed out from the above that i need to take note of?

6.) I could not locate the site or forum to really teach me step by step to set up a marine tank. ( eg 1. put sand, 2.put rocks. etc)

Thanks.

Hi I am just starting my tank too and still buying the stuff I need as I move forward.

As for item 2. You'll need NH4, NO3, KH, PH, Ca and Mg. Well you could also get NO2 but you'll probably use that a few times only so you could skip that it you've some experience in the Nitrogen cycle. I skip buying NH4 kit, but instead use a Seachem Ammonia Alert card that you keep permanently in the water, gives you read 24/7 for a couple of month for only $10 I am searching for good KH, PH, Ca and Mg kit at them moment.

As for 3, everyone seems to have their own preference So I think might have to work this one out on your own. I am using CoralLife and just bought Tropic Marin to try as my CoralLife finished.

[Alucard]

Hi I am just starting my tank too and still buying the stuff I need as I move forward.

As for item 2. You'll need NH4, NO3, KH, PH, Ca and Mg. Well you could also get NO2 but you'll probably use that a few times only so you could skip that it you've some experience in the Nitrogen cycle. I skip buying NH4 kit, but instead use a Seachem Ammonia Alert card that you keep permanently in the water, gives you read 24/7 for a couple of month for only $10 I am searching for good KH, PH, Ca and Mg kit at them moment.

As for 3, everyone seems to have their own preference So I think might have to work this one out on your own. I am using CoralLife and just bought Tropic Marin to try as my CoralLife finished.

Hi dragonfly_sg,

Thanks for the reply. Do they come in different sets i.e. Have to buy separately and cannot buy all in one test kit set? How does the kit test looks like? Seems like you are only refering to the chemical names to me

For the salt, its just only adding it to the water from the tap and take measurements against it right? Do we have to meaure the water in the tank thereafter and daily?

Regards

Alu

[vt_snowman87]

well, if u buy water from the farms, it would be alot cheaper.. and cycling faster as well.. not say perfect water parameters.. but at least it's safe.. and convenient..

[Alucard]

well, if u buy water from the farms, it would be alot cheaper.. and cycling faster as well.. not say perfect water parameters.. but at least it's safe.. and convenient..

really? you mean buying salt water from farm is generally cheaper than doing it myself for a 4 feet tank?

by the way what does cycling means?

Thanks.

[angelfishlover]

Hi dragonfly_sg,

Thanks for the reply. Do they come in different sets i.e. Have to buy separately and cannot buy all in one test kit set? How does the kit test looks like? Seems like you are only refering to the chemical names to me

For the salt, its just only adding it to the water from the tap and take measurements against it right? Do we have to meaure the water in the tank thereafter and daily?

Regards

Alu

To make it more clear buy nitate=NO3 nitrite=NO2 Ammonia=NH3 calcium=Ca Magnesium=mg

pH=if you know your chemistry well then u should noe this and KH=Carbonate Hardness test kits.Well you could try API test kit if you want to buy in one set.

really? you mean buying salt water from farm is generally cheaper than doing it myself for a 4 feet tank?

by the way what does cycling means?

Thanks.

Cycling refers to the weeks bacteria starting to dominate the tank and remove ammonia,nitrite and if you have a deep sand bed maybe nitrate too.You nid to read up more.But dun believe some of the info.

[Alucard]

To make it more clear buy nitate=NO3 nitrite=NO2 Ammonia=NH3 calcium=Ca Magnesium=mg

pH=if you know your chemistry well then u should noe this and KH=Carbonate Hardness test kits.Well you could try API test kit if you want to buy in one set.

Cycling refers to the weeks bacteria starting to dominate the tank and remove ammonia,nitrite and if you have a deep sand bed maybe nitrate too.You nid to read up more.But dun believe some of the info.

Thanks for the info. What is the estimated price of the API test kit?

What are the pros and cons for having the sand bed?

[vt_snowman87]

yupps, u need to read up, which could mean burning midnight oils to do research.. and angelfishlover is right that not all info can be followed.. just have to learn from other ppl's experiences as well.. dun learn it the hard way.. (i did, before i found out abt this website)..

read up and be fully prepared before u plunge into this endless hole..

most fish farms sell prepared seawater in packets, u can get ur water from there.. i gotten mine this way, and never had any problems so far.. it should suffice for a basic soft corals, lps, or fish-only tank.. \

cheers, and welcome..

[angelfishlover]

Thanks for the info. What is the estimated price of the API test kit?

What are the pros and cons for having the sand bed?

Uhh i think total for one set is 20-30++ bucks.But magnesium test kit you must buy either Salifert brand or Tropic Marin.

Pros for having sandbed is that you can reduce nitrate,there will be copepods breeding ground and some corals prefer sandbed than a hard glass.

Cons are that you need a goby to clean the sand if not you will see a lot of algae or detritus gathering.Not every goby sift sand.Orange spotted goby do the job but be warned that gobies love to jump.

Anyway what kind of tank you going first???Reef tank or fish only wif live rocks aka FOWLR.

[Alucard]

yupps, u need to read up, which could mean burning midnight oils to do research.. and angelfishlover is right that not all info can be followed.. just have to learn from other ppl's experiences as well.. dun learn it the hard way.. (i did, before i found out abt this website)..

read up and be fully prepared before u plunge into this endless hole..

most fish farms sell prepared seawater in packets, u can get ur water from there.. i gotten mine this way, and never had any problems so far.. it should suffice for a basic soft corals, lps, or fish-only tank.. \

cheers, and welcome..

I see...thanks for the advice. The water from farm as you mention, does it mean just put to the tank and sump without adding any salt or other chemicals? I would want to rear nice corals too How much is the packet of water? Bet it cost a bomb for a 4' tank ya?

Regards

Goh

[angelfishlover]

I see...thanks for the advice. The water from farm as you mention, does it mean just put to the tank and sump without adding any salt or other chemicals? I would want to rear nice corals too How much is the packet of water? Bet it cost a bomb for a 4' tank ya?

Regards

Goh

Nope no nid.

[Alucard]

Uhh i think total for one set is 20-30++ bucks.But magnesium test kit you must buy either Salifert brand or Tropic Marin.

Pros for having sandbed is that you can reduce nitrate,there will be copepods breeding ground and some corals prefer sandbed than a hard glass.

Cons are that you need a goby to clean the sand if not you will see a lot of algae or detritus gathering.Not every goby sift sand.Orange spotted goby do the job but be warned that gobies love to jump.

Anyway what kind of tank you going first???Reef tank or fish only wif live rocks aka FOWLR.

I see. Thanks for the test kit info.

Hmm can goby really do the job? or do i need to manually clean the sand eventually (if yes how do i do it cause changing the sand may disturb the water?)

I would eventually like to have reef with fishes and sand just like what i saw in those hospitals or NKF hee...

BTW, how do you change water usually? removing the water from the tank itself using tubes and adding water to it? ( is that the right way? i wonder how it is changed when i have stack of rocks with corals piling on higher end..hmm..)

Regards

Alu

[Alucard]

Nope no nid.

then i guess its pretty convenience just that how do i get those water for the 4" tank. Hope they have delivery services .

What are the corals that require special treatment to the water bought from the farms?

How frequent do you change the water?

[angelfishlover]

I see. Thanks for the test kit info.

Hmm can goby really do the job? or do i need to manually clean the sand eventually (if yes how do i do it cause changing the sand may disturb the water?)

I would eventually like to have reef with fishes and sand just like what i saw in those hospitals or NKF hee...

BTW, how do you change water usually? removing the water from the tank itself using tubes and adding water to it? ( is that the right way? i wonder how it is changed when i have stack of rocks with corals piling on higher end..hmm..)

Regards

Alu

You must also stir the sandbed urself.I usually change 2 weeks once.10% everytime.

then i guess its pretty convenience just that how do i get those water for the 4" tank. Hope they have delivery services .

What are the corals that require special treatment to the water bought from the farms?

How frequent do you change the water?

Yes they do delivery but must buy in bulk.2 wekks once 10% of total tank volume.

[Alucard]

You must also stir the sandbed urself.I usually change 2 weeks once.10% everytime.

erm what does it mean by stiring the sand bed?

[angelfishlover]

erm what does it mean by stiring the sand bed?

Use the siphon to stir a bit.

[Alucard]

Use the siphon to stir a bit.

i see u mean after the stiring with siphon, put back those sand to the tank right?

[Terryz_]

With sufficient flow, there wun be problem of algae growing and detritus settling on the sandbed unless for deadspots...

And not advisable to stir the sandbed, if it is a DSB cos when it is matured as it will release hydrogen sulphide and cause a ammonia spike which will kill all your fish...

[Alucard]

With sufficient flow, there wun be problem of algae growing and detritus settling on the sandbed unless for deadspots...

And not advisable to stir the sandbed, if it is a DSB cos when it is matured as it will release hydrogen sulphide and cause a ammonia spike which will kill all your fish...

i see...got a point there too...thanks for the info.

[dragonfly_sg]

Hope you understand what some people mean by needing to have enough knowledge to for the hobby.

Just take a simple example of stirring the sand.

Some people recommend you to do it ( because they have a shallow sand bed, probably with cucumber, urchin or some fishes turning it constantly ) and some people warn you against it (because these people have DSB). Both have good intention but you need enough knowledge to know which can apply to you Tough isn't it

It gets worst from here .......... how deep is a DSB? If you have very course coral chip as substrate, 5" of those still wouldn't make a DSB. But if you use very fine grain sand then you might have an anaerobic layer just 1.5" down.

I have some experience in freshwater and planted tanks, been playing around with them for almost 30 years or more. Certain concepts are the same but not others. Thats why I am looking forward to getting some books from Amazon to help me further. I have a small tank running (FOWLR), I am using it to understand things I read from the web and forums. I don't expect complete success with this initial, setup but I am those that prefer hands-on to theory

So far I killed 3 Algae Bunny that hope out of the tank *sigh* and a sea hare that rotted in between my life rocks . Otherwise I am good so far Well ....... as good as it can get. Initial outbreak of algae is now under control and not getting worst, honestly I didn't know what I did stop it. So I am sure I need to re-learn it some time down the road.

But it have been an interesting trip for me so far and I hope you enjoy the journey to having a great tank too.

[Terryz_]

Hope you understand what some people mean by needing to have enough knowledge to for the hobby.

Just take a simple example of stirring the sand.

Some people recommend you to do it ( because they have a shallow sand bed, probably with cucumber, urchin or some fishes turning it constantly ) and some people warn you against it (because these people have DSB). Both have good intention but you need enough knowledge to know which can apply to you Tough isn't it

It gets worst from here .......... how deep is a DSB? If you have very course coral chip as substrate, 5" of those still wouldn't make a DSB. But if you use very fine grain sand then you might have an anaerobic layer just 1.5" down.

I have some experience in freshwater and planted tanks, been playing around with them for almost 30 years or more. Certain concepts are the same but not others. Thats why I am looking forward to getting some books from Amazon to help me further. I have a small tank running (FOWLR), I am using it to understand things I read from the web and forums. I don't expect complete success with this initial, setup but I am those that prefer hands-on to theory

So far I killed 3 Algae Bunny that hope out of the tank *sigh* and a sea hare that rotted in between my life rocks . Otherwise I am good so far Well ....... as good as it can get. Initial outbreak of algae is now under control and not getting worst, honestly I didn't know what I did stop it. So I am sure I need to re-learn it some time down the road.

But it have been an interesting trip for me so far and I hope you enjoy the journey to having a great tank too.

I agree to what you say... Everyone have different way/method to maintaining and setup of their tank it is more important to know what apply to you is the most appropriate...

As for your algae, it is a norm for new tank, due to the amount of nutrient in the tank.. Once the nutrients are taken away by the filter media like P04 remover, the algae will stop growing...

[Alucard]

Hope you understand what some people mean by needing to have enough knowledge to for the hobby.

Just take a simple example of stirring the sand.

Some people recommend you to do it ( because they have a shallow sand bed, probably with cucumber, urchin or some fishes turning it constantly ) and some people warn you against it (because these people have DSB). Both have good intention but you need enough knowledge to know which can apply to you Tough isn't it

It gets worst from here .......... how deep is a DSB? If you have very course coral chip as substrate, 5" of those still wouldn't make a DSB. But if you use very fine grain sand then you might have an anaerobic layer just 1.5" down.

I have some experience in freshwater and planted tanks, been playing around with them for almost 30 years or more. Certain concepts are the same but not others. Thats why I am looking forward to getting some books from Amazon to help me further. I have a small tank running (FOWLR), I am using it to understand things I read from the web and forums. I don't expect complete success with this initial, setup but I am those that prefer hands-on to theory

So far I killed 3 Algae Bunny that hope out of the tank *sigh* and a sea hare that rotted in between my life rocks . Otherwise I am good so far Well ....... as good as it can get. Initial outbreak of algae is now under control and not getting worst, honestly I didn't know what I did stop it. So I am sure I need to re-learn it some time down the road.

But it have been an interesting trip for me so far and I hope you enjoy the journey to having a great tank too.

Hi thanks for sharing the experience with me . I have heard of rearing corals or fishes with sand etc have contraints here and there. And thats what i am here for ..to learn. I do have a little knowledge on planted tanks but zero in marine tanks. Thats why i try my best to think logcially whatever questions i need to resolve before carry on the journey. Having said that,

what are the types (roughly) of fishes that you mention I have to take note (i.e. better not buying etc) if I were to go for DBS (and what is it for shallow sand).Algae is my worst nightmare for planted tanks thus I do need to know abt them in marine tanks too.

[kelstorm]

Hi All newbie here,

I would like to have some advice on setting up of a 4" marine tank with a sump.

i think u meant 4' instead of 4".... 4", dun think u can keep anything inside.

Objective:

1) sand in the tank.

how deep u want your sand bed? shallow or deep?, some ppl goes without sand. All hv their own pros and cons. I'm keeping shallow sandbed (SSB) and it is more for aesthetics purposes

2) would like to rear live beautiful corals/rocks as well as fishes.

decide wat kind of fishes u wanna keep, know whether reef safe or not, compatible or not

Questions:

1) would like to know what are the things to note ( precautionary measures before things might happen such as uncontrolled algae etc)----things to buy?

Basic stuff u need to get - Skimmer, FR, wavemaker, lights, return pumps, refractometer or Hydrometer

2.) What are the kits that i need to buy for the marine tank.---things to buy?

i would go for salifert brand. Available at Aquamarin, Reef Depot, Harlequin and some other shops. Starting like NO2, No3, NH3. Then eventually, u need to test for kH, PO4, Ca

3) Type of salts to use.--- things to buy?

Using of natural Sea water (NSW) has it pros and cons. it had been debated recently. U can get them by jerrycans for a small sum. However, u cant determine the source of water and whether hv the water been filtered before coming to u. Different school of thoughts for different reefers. Thus it is good to get a good skimmer to filter out the waste asap.

4.) What is required in the sump as I only have a pump for the moment.---things to buy?

as for pump, the higher return rate, the better. These stuff works 24/7. u dun want to save a couple of dollars on these and end up having them fail on u, causing thousands of dollars of stuff dying on u. Since u are working out on the design and planning stage, take ur time to learn more. Invest one time on the equipment rather than to spend more money on upgrades later on.

6.) I could not locate the site or forum to really teach me step by step to set up a marine tank. ( eg 1. put sand, 2.put rocks. etc)

i will put rocks first then sand. more stable in that sense.

Thanks.

[Alucard]

You must also stir the sandbed urself.I usually change 2 weeks once.10% everytime.

I have some confusion on the changing of water frequency. I have heard pple changing 80 percent of the water weekly. Does that means the larger the tank the less water percentage can be changed and on what intervals? What is the basis to decide the intervals and percentage of water change each time?

Thanks.

[Terryz_]

I have some confusion on the changing of water frequency. I have heard pple changing 80 percent of the water weekly. Does that means the larger the tank the less water percentage can be changed and on what intervals? What is the basis to decide the intervals and percentage of water change each time?

Thanks.

Normally 10% per week will sufficient... That depends on your nutrients level, such as NO3 and PO4... If the nutrient level is very high, more frequent and higher volume of water change will be required...