This is a discussion on New tank within the Saltwater Aquariums forums, part of the Saltwater Fish and Coral Reef Tanks category; -->
hey im completly new to this all together... i just bought a 20 gallon tank. Im going to make it salt water.. with live ...
hey im completly new to this all together... i just bought a 20 gallon tank. Im going to make it salt water.. with live rocks. Im just wondering before i set everything up, do i fill the tank up and put the salt mixture in it right when i put the water in, or do i let the water filter for a week then put the salt mixture in?
Probably stupid questions haha but i have no idea.
the only way you can put the salt directly into your tank is if NOTHING else is in the tank, including ( but not limited to ) any sand, rock, livestock and so on. if your tank is completly empty, you can use it to mix your first batch of saltwater. you will want a powerhead and heater in the tank as the saltwater is mixing.
if the tank is NOT empty ( or for future water changes ) mix all saltwater in a seperate tank, bucket, food safe container/tuberware atleast 24 hours in advance.
check ebay for a refractometer, you can get one for alittle more then the price of a hydrometer and it is way more accurate to check salinity.
keep in mind the smaller the tank the more difficult it can be to keep stable. i dont wish to scare you into not doing this tank, but keep that in mind. if you stay ontop of things there shouldnt be a reason this tank cant happen. i suggest reading everything saltwater related prior to jumping into things. ask questions and even look in your area for any local reefing clubs ( you can do a google search )
