Anything else I need?

[matthew112687]

Ive asked alot of questions and I have gotten answers everytime, thanks to everyone.

But I am planning to start my cycle tomorrow and I was wondering if there is anything else I need. I have a I have test kits for PH, Nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. And Im going to go get 2 150 watt heaters tonight. Are there any other tests or anything a newbie wouldnt know to get?

[kisscouple]

Hi sounds like a good start to me.

[fsn77]

Towards the end of your cycle, you'll want to start monitoring your calcium and alkalinity (KH) levels.

Good luck cycling... fishless, I hope.

[jerehmy]

how large is the tank? Looks like your in the right track

[matthew112687]

fsn77- Yes it will be a fishless cycle.

jerehmy- The tank is 60 gallons with probably about 3 in the sump.

Another quick question..

I have one of these
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h150/ptroy/HYD10_rgb.jpg

And everytime I test the salinity its different :confused:

Are these known to be inaccurate? I clean it out with freshwater before and after I test so idk what Im doing wrong. Sometimes when I test it, its at 1.022. But other times its 1.026. I am also using Instant Ocean salt if that makes a diffrence.

[bertoni]

Those are known to be problematic. I'd suggest investing in a refractometer or conductivity meter. I have the PinPoint salinity monitor, and use it. I also have a refractometer from Premium Aquatics that works well.

[matthew112687]

Such as this one?

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=195005&cat=0&page=1

[bertoni]

That one looks fine. This article might help in calibration:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

[matthew112687]

Alright, looks good. Thank you for the help.

[jerehmy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7676465#post7676465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by matthew112687
fsn77- Yes it will be a fishless cycle.

jerehmy- The tank is 60 gallons with probably about 3 in the sump.

Another quick question..

I have one of these
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h150/ptroy/HYD10_rgb.jpg

And everytime I test the salinity its different :confused:

Are these known to be inaccurate? I clean it out with freshwater before and after I test so idk what Im doing wrong. Sometimes when I test it, its at 1.022. But other times its 1.026. I am also using Instant Ocean salt if that makes a diffrence.


I also have the same thing, are you taking the readings hrs apart because when you first mix the SW it will read lower then if the SW has been stirred around for a few hrs

for example1.022 @ 1:00 when you first mix SW
1.026 @ 2:30 after all salt is disolved

thats the problem that I used to have but now all my water is real ocean water so its always right and I still use the marinelabs hydrometer every time :)

Good Luck and happy 4th :beer:

[bertoni]

I mix saltwater and measure it within minutes and have no problems with it changing over time. Perhaps there's some bubble issue or the like, but the salt will dissolve quite rapidly, in my experience with Instant Ocean and Crystal Seas.

[jerehmy]

I was using oceanic salt mix mabye thats why

[matthew112687]

Im not too sure what the deal was, but it was pretty consistant today at 1.023. I added some live rock and sand today, and finally started the cycle. Hopefully it doesnt take too long, but we will see :)