New aquarium

[enw1229]

I was recently put in charge of the saltwater aquarium in my college's biology lab. I have some experience with freshwater but none with saltwater.
It is a small tank, probably around 20 gallons, and right now has only starfish in it. No sand, plants, or anything else. Everything else they have tried to put in has died. Their goal is to eventually add plants and fish.
From what I understand, their difficulty has been keeping the water clean from algae growth and keeping chemical levels stable enough to support life.
My question is, where I should I start with this tank to get it where it needs to be? Thank you!

 

[redfishbluefish]

When you say nothing, there is no sand or rock (dead coral)? You need some place for the bacteria to hang out so they can convert poisonous ammonia to eventually nitrate. You then need some method to get the nitrates out (religion, water changes, etc.) (I left it in .......religion.....because I found it amusing, but what I originally typed was refugium and the auto correct changed it. Bottom line, maybe religion helps too. )

Do you have test kits to measure nitrates and phosphates.....that might be a good start. And maybe an ammonia kit as well, because that's my guess as to what is killing everything.

 

[KJ]

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

 

[Jimbo662]

I'd check to see if there's a reef club in your area and see if someone there could possibly mentor you.

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome.

I would of course learn the basic chemistry. Specific Gravity, temp, nitrates, phosphates. Below is an excellent more advanced link for reference to common reef chemistry.

Water changes are going to be your friend initially. Just make sure you're specific gravity and temp are within normal limits, matching the tanks values within reason. Use only RO/DI water for mixing and top off or you can buy salt water already mixed.