I was wondering if there is anywhere I can find a maintenance plan to go by and eventually create my own. I would like to know how often testing is needed, what is the general water change on different sized tanks, is using RO water (no salt) ok to use for top offs until water change, etc. I have got info from the guy who got me into this hobby, but wanted to get opinions from many others as well.
Maintenence question for a newbie
- Thread starter drb91985
- Start date
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NOLA Reefer
Community Member
How big is your setup, how long has it been running, and what are you currently keeping in it. Also, what are your longer term plans for stocking?
The tank is 150g. It was recently moved, the original owner had to get rid of it (a friend of mine), and I bought it from him to help out. He ran it for 2.5 years, I have had it setup for 3 days now. There are 3 tangs, 3 wrasse, 2 clowns, blue hippo, and a few others. There are close to 30 corals I'd say across all categories of coral.
Wbrian
Active Member
Yes to topping off with RO. But RODI is better. I always add a buffer to my topoff water to get the ph of it to 8.3.
Generally with a new tank, I suggest testing weekly. But more frequently if things are out of whack and you have to make corrections, etc...
Did you use the original water from your friends system to set it up at your place?
Later,
Brian
Generally with a new tank, I suggest testing weekly. But more frequently if things are out of whack and you have to make corrections, etc...
Did you use the original water from your friends system to set it up at your place?
Later,
Brian
StikHedRon
Well-Known Member
Do not add buffer to your top off water, could cause issues. I would change 7-10gal a week on a 150gal setup. I would use rodi water for top off and not just ro water. On a new tank with no corals there really is no need to test for cal, alk, mag as nothing is using it. Once you get into using the supplements more by adding more coral. I would then start testing on an every other day bases depending on your coral demands. You may end up getting a dosing pump that once you get your daily consumption rate you can adjust your dosers then you can go to testing once a week. Just to see where your levels are at and if you need to make any adjustments.
