Purchasing new tank zero expirence

[davidcalgary29]

Perfect. Do you have a suggestion on what test kit?

Understand that no test kit is perfect, and that some people have had problems with a few of API's products, but I've been pretty happy with the Red Sea "Marine Care Multi Test Kit". It has all the basic tests that you need for starting a tank assuming that you'll keep up with water changes. It doesn't have a test for phosphates, though, and you might want to look into that, given the tank's algae problems.

 

[Rmckoy]

Test kits and seeing as you have a bit of time letting everything mature before adding corals . Something to measure salinity ( Hanna salinity checker , refractometer are good ,
ammonia , nitrite ( only used to detect 2nd stage of cycle and Shouldn’t be needed after )
Nitrate kit ,
Ph and alkalinity could come as a next group of kits
Cal , mag are not necessary until adding corals

 

[DungSl1nger]

Perfect. Do you have a suggestion on what test kit?

I started with the Red Sea marine care multi test kit, then added a Salifert Magnesium kit.

 

[Rmckoy]

I started with the Red Sea marine care multi test kit, then added a Salifert Magnesium kit.

I started with API marine kit .
It’s worked for me until I started adding corals .
salifert , Red Sea , are what I prefer now .

I have trouble with Red Sea alk and the Red Sea cal is hard to see the colour change from purple to blue

 

[DungSl1nger]

I started with API marine kit .
It’s worked for me until I started adding corals .
salifert , Red Sea , are what I prefer now .

I have trouble with Red Sea alk and the Red Sea cal is hard to see the colour change from purple to blue

I understand, I have been slow on tank progression in respect to adding corals so I just wanted the basics. I later went the Hanna route.

 

[dsargent09]

Is there a preferred vendor for this forum? I’m going to order all of my testing supplies and anything else I can think of or that you all suggest. Im assuming the prior owner literally threw food in this thing and hoped for the best. I’m much more of a perfectionist, and will monitor closely to build an awesome tank.

with that being said. Can you all tell me what I will be inheriting. I have no clue about reefs, corals, or any of the other plant words that have been thrown around. I will be researching whats currently in the tank extensively tonight and figuring out how to best care for it.
If possible circle what youre naming, or provide a description. I’m a complete newb to salt water life, but am very familiar with pumps, filters, and general “process” equipment.

 

[Rmckoy]

Is there a preferred vendor for this forum? I’m going to order all of my testing supplies and anything else I can think of or that you all suggest. Im assuming the prior owner literally threw food in this thing and hoped for the best. I’m much more of a perfectionist, and will monitor closely to build an awesome tank.

with that being said. Can you all tell me what I will be inheriting. I have no clue about reefs, corals, or any of the other plant words that have been thrown around. I will be researching whats currently in the tank extensively tonight and figuring out how to best care for it.
If possible circle what youre naming, or provide a description. I’m a complete newb to salt water life, but am very familiar with pumps, filters, and general “process” equipment.

Did I see a niger trigger in the one picture ?

 

[dsargent09]

Did I see a niger trigger in the one picture ?

Yes. I believe the blue fish is a trigger is what he told me.

 

[dsargent09]

Made the move on Sunday. I ended up doing it with the help of some friends.

so far all fish and amenities have survived. There are 11 amenities, and 6 fish.

2 danzels
2 clowns
1 trigger
1 I cant remember and dont see often lol.

Current water parameters after 3 days are.
Ph- 8.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrates - 10ppm
Nitrites-0
Salinity 1.024

I didnt realize the amenities had to be hand fed. This tank is going to be work lol

Tips on feeding are appreciated.

same for lighting schedule

 

[davidcalgary29]

The tank already looks 1000x better than what the previous owner had. Good job on the cleanup!