Set up

Bekahvarkony · May 4, 2021

I am located in Albuquerque New Mexico and went to our local fish store! Southwest reef LLC is absolutely amazing! The owner helped me so much and is just so patient with beginners like myself! Here’s what I have so far! What do you think

Dolphins18 · May 4, 2021

Looks like they set you up pretty well. From what I can see you have all the things you need and a nicely designed sump. I would continue to listen to the fish store they seem to have hooked you up with the stuff you need to get started.
You'll also want to discuss with them lighting and a protein skimmer/fuge fir that middle sump chamber. Looks good though. Welcome to the hobby

monkeyCmonkeyDo · May 4, 2021

Does your hob overflow require a air pump? To suck any air out? I thought they did in the past at least...someone else chime in?
I think it looks great! You have a protein skimmer? Cute dog.
D

highest_tides · May 4, 2021

Looking good!

mdb_talon · May 4, 2021

Welcome! Looking good.

Bekahvarkony · May 4, 2021

A little cloudy, but finally filled. Protein skimmer and lights are the next thing on my list once we cycle! One issue I am having is the salt level it was perfect in my buckets but now too low. Any recommendations?

mdb_talon · May 4, 2021

What are you using to measure salinity and how low is it?

Bekahvarkony · May 5, 2021

mdb_talon said:
What are you using to measure salinity and how low is it?

Now it's telling me its too high. I am using a accuprobe hydrometer

Uncle99 · May 5, 2021

So lower your salinity if it’s too high with fresh RODI water until you reach 1.026 or 35ppt.
Then mark the water level.

Then, just refill to that line once a day.

Best would be add an ATO, it automates this task and increases stability of your system.

Uncle99 · May 5, 2021

Add some bottled bacteria if you haven’t already
Lights off, let that cook.

Bo. · May 5, 2021

Rob is an absolutely great guy, glad he got you started and set up!

mdb_talon · May 5, 2021

Bekahvarkony said:
Now it's telling me its too high. I am using a accuprobe hydrometer

I believe that is a swingarm hydrometer and generally speaking not especially accurate or consistent. A cheap refractometer (and calibration fluid) is definitely worth it especially if you are seeing the salinity go up and down on your measurements. It will naturally go up over time due to evaporation if you are not topping off with freshwater, but what you are describing of it going down and then spiking a lot overnight and going up just sounds like inconsistent test results.

Bekahvarkony · May 5, 2021

Uncle99 said:
So lower your salinity if it’s too high with fresh RODI water until you reach 1.026 or 35ppt.
Then mark the water level.

Then, just refill to that line once a day.

Best would be add an ATO, it automates this task and increases stability of your system.

I checked it again now and it says it's too low... ‍

‍

Bo. · May 5, 2021

Definitely worth it to invest in a refractometer and calibration fluid. Those swingarm style aren't super reliable.

kingjoe · May 5, 2021

What do you think of the fish selection at Southwest Reef? I'm up in Los Alamos and haven't made it down there yet, but I'd like to visit.

ABQ_CHRIS · Jun 25, 2022

kingjoe said:
What do you think of the fish selection at Southwest Reef? I'm up in Los Alamos and haven't made it down there yet, but I'd like to visit.

It has been over a year, but... The selection is decent. They seem to keep most hardy and popular fish in stock. I hear that they will order things for you if they don't have it. I haven't gotten any livestock or coral, but from the look of the shop I won't be disappointed. They are honest and super helpful.