Newbie to the hobby!

[SoCal_Finn]

I run mine at 1.025-1.026... So do most of the other folks on here...

Great thanks! I'm glad to hear it's not a bad thing, i was ready to lower it but like i said, it's been consistent.

 

[Adam_1992]

I initially was running my cycle at 1.026 but dropped it last week to 1.024 just to be safe. I want to try to maintain ideal parameters for corals when the time is right for me!

 

[Big_Mclargehuge]

I'll look into it for sure! Since we're on the subject of testing, my salinity level has been consistent at 1.025-1.026 but i'm getting feedback that it's too high for a newer tank! I was planning on my first water change (5%) this week. Should I try and lower the salinity level?

Mine is the same range. From what i've seen most run their tanks in that range as well.

 

[fishguy242]

hi i run 1.024-just to leave room for error jmo

 

[SoCal_Finn]

I’m thinking of lowering it, on my first water change (5%), do i just use more RODI than saltwater?

 

[fishguy242]

yes or just take a cup or two of tank water out and replace w ro...in 32 would highly recommend 1.024 evap can raise quick in 32 gall,if ato was to fail or you just forgot to top off a couple days,i see the fans must be evap 1/2+ gall a day?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’m thinking of lowering it, on my first water change (5%), do i just use more RODI than saltwater?

These cubes retain water well as the lighting does not run hot reducing evaporation and elevation of salinity. refer to chart to set a range for your settings

 

[Traplord]

Red Sea test kit as well as Hanna alk because it’s simple and digital readings

 

[SoCal_Finn]

yes or just take a cup or two of tank water out and replace w ro...in 32 would highly recommend 1.024 evap can raise quick in 32 gall,if ato was to fail or you just forgot to top off a couple days,i see the fans must be evap 1/2+ gall a day?

Yep you’re right! About 1/2 gallon a day.

 

[Big_Mclargehuge]

Thanks everyone for welcome!


Nice! I can't wait to see some fish and corals in mine! Any pics?

Here are some pics and vids. I just did a water change so most of the corals are closed up.

 

[SoCal_Finn]

Here are some pics and vids. I just did a water change so most of the corals are closed up.

It looks really good!!! What type of wave maker are you using?

 

[Big_Mclargehuge]

It looks really good!!! What type of wave maker are you using?

Thanks! It's an aquatop maxflow wave maker. It was about 130. It's been great. I'm still new to all of this so figuring it out as I go.

 

[Ippyroy]

Thank you for the advice! Any suggestions on a good test kit?
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I use the salifert kits. They aren't too expensive either. A lot of people like the Red Sea stuff. Hanna testers are great (from what ive heard). I will probably go with Hanna eventually but they are a bit pricey.

Look up BRStv. They do a great video on different test kits. Don't lock yourself into one brand. I love my Hanna for phosphates and Nyos for Nitrates. It all comes down to how hard it is to read the color chart and how complicated to do the triations are to you. The tests are only as reliable as the person doing the tests. The cost per test are relatively close.