Important lessons every Saltwater tank owner should know

[ORchick]

Keeping with this month's meeting theme I thought I would start this thread. I thought it would give people in the group a chance to share any lessons they have learned (or even ideas of things they wish they would have done.) Being new to the hobby I learn something new anytime I talk to someone who has been doing this for a while.
One lesson I have learned so far is that pvc and flexible tubing are not always interchangeable. Because of the power of different pumps, water will flow through the flexible tubing easier then pvc.
The hardest lesson so far is patience. I see people with beautiful established tanks and want mine to look like that now. I am learning to give the corals a chance to grow and spread.
I look forward to reading more posts from everyone regardless if you have been doing this for one year or thirty.

 

[ORchick]

I figure since nobody else is going to respond I will just post new things I learn. This meeting I learned exactly how toxic palys can be. Thanks to Buddy for the great info.

 

[SLUF681]

Oh yeah! Palytoxin is the 2nd most toxic poison in the world, and the MOST toxic non-peptide. Wicked, wicked stuff. For whatever reason, I've totally missed this thread until now.

One thing I've learned since being in the hobby is when someone tells you to forgo the mistake of power compact lights, do as you're told!

 

[FL_Reefer]

One big lesson I learned early on in this hobby is BUY A REFRACTOMETER!! Don't trust a hydrometer. Best $40-$60 bucks you will ever spend. Great tread!

 

[glb]

Don't scrimp on test kits. Buy the best you can afford!

 

[Small triggers]

Always wear gloves when working in your tank! You never know what reaction you will have when something like ambristleworm gets you, or your anemone rubs against your arm...
Always have vinegar and Benadryl on hand!

 

[Captain Nemo]

Well in case no one has ever told you all, not all pretty fish or corals get along. Make sure you know what you are buying and how it will interact with your current inhabitants. Plan a little and it will save a headache down the road.

 

[Nikki]

my biggest lesson learned is to research everything first...and then do more research...and when you think you have finally decided what you want...do more research.
i have made a very expensive mistake taking the advice of (what i hope was good intentioned individuals) others without researching first.

now i am spending more money than i had to originally just to get my system where i wanted it to be.

 

[Latinreefer]

I know some will disagree with this but, your power sourse on wall should always have a GFCI outlet. I have seen personal friends not do this and the breaker didn't trip in the electrical panel box and serious damage was done.

 

[Gladfelter]

Always invest in a heater controller. My first salt tank was a ten gallon I set up cause a friend killed 14 of 16 fish. Told me to break down their tank. I set up the ten since it was just a clown and a damsel. I used a standard heater. A month later it failed in the on position.

Flash fried Nemo. The little tank was over 110 degrees........and then my son walks in and asks wherea Nemo?

 

[Gladfelter]

P.S. Great idea for a thread!

 

[flyingfish]

One big lesson I learned early on in this hobby is BUY A REFRACTOMETER!! Don't trust a hydrometer. Best $40-$60 bucks you will ever spend. Great tread!

I second that! I killed a couple fish because my readings were way off. It is a must have. Just be sure to calibrate it properly. I love love love my Milwaukee MA887.

 

[tangboy]

Don't trust the LFS no matter what they say...

 

[a49panhead]

Iv learned dont skimp, u get what u pay for. buy quality or u will be buying it agen.

 

[k2parkstar]

Iv learned dont skimp, u get what u pay for. buy quality or u will be buying it agen.

Agreed

 

[Mike in CT]

Understand that for the most part corals are a lot more sensitive to water conditions then fish. Thought I knew what I was doing water wise because I have been able to keep multiple fish alive into their teens. When I moved up to adding my first corals I learned you can have a tank of thriving fish, yet have corals are that anything but happy because one of your parameters are off.

 

[ORchick]

Lots of great ideas. After learning more about the palys I will definitely wear gloves next time I need to reach in the tank. I have found some of the best resources are fellow breeders. There are so many resources that contradict each other, it is nice to hear from people that actually have salt water systems. I look forward to continuing to learn.

 

[dustinw]

We almost killed our frogspawn anemone... It's barely alive because we put reef buffer directly into the tank and it sucked it in. So if you add buffer put it in jugs with ro/di water and add to sump....add a little at a time.

 

[ORchick]

I meant reef keepers not breeders...I truly dislike auto correct.