I finally got me my tank

[buddah001]

Alright everyone I got . A 50 gal Oceanic reef ready tank with a Oceanic model 75 wet/dry trickle filter with protien skimmer. The tank has beeen up and running for about 6 years it came with 75lbs of live rock already established with alot of coraline algea . Also a icecap 430 ballast with bright white, 50/50 and blue actinic bulbs. came with 2 cleaner and 1 fire shrimp,about 20 hermit 20 snails, a pearscale butterfly, flame angel, yellow tail damsel, cleaner wrasse and a clown. All test equipment, food three frags of frogspawn, 1 toadstool, zoanthids, clam (blue lips about 3 inches long), some ther pieces of soft corral. All for 600$ good deal? I have the lights on a timer and went in after they were out for 1/2 hr and saw alot of worms eveywhere. Is this normal? I think they are bristle worms. I moved it and set it up yesterday. Took water sample to the local fish store and they said all water is ok. We did move all the water also. Topped off I think 7 gal of new salt water only.

[poppin_fresh]

Sounds like a decent deal to me. The bristle worms you saw are your friends...they are good janitors. I would keep and eye on the parameters for a little while. You might see a small cycle from moving everything. You should probably have some mixed salt water ready if you need to do a water change.

[Amphibious]

Congratulations on a good deal. Now your work, play and pleasure begins. The first bit of advice I'd like to share based on your post -

Took water sample to the local fish store and they said all water is ok.

That should be the last time you take water to the LFS for testing. You cannot rely on their test kits nor their employees knowledge. Ask the question here on TR about relying on your LFS and see what type answers you get. It's your tank, your responsibility. Buy the following test kits as a minimum.

Ph
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium

I'm assuming you got a hydrometer with the set up. If not get a good one, preferably a refractometer. A bit more money, a lot more accurate.

Begin researching the critters you got with the system BEFORE you add anything else. One problem you may run into with the trickle filter is high Nitrates. You'll need to know because high Nitrates will cause problems.

I'd wish you good luck but it isn't good luck that makes a successful marine aquarist. It's research, experience, more research, more experience and then more research. It doesn't end. I've been in this hobby for 60+ years. I still research and learn something new everyday.

Hope this helps you get off on the right foot. This is a fascinating hobby.

Dick

[buddah001]

I do have the test kits. And I did check them today myself. Only took water sample to LFS to compare their results to mine. They had the same. My hydrometer was a bit off compared to their refractometer. I think I am in for a long, fun and challenging learning experience.

[Skurvey Dog]

Hello Budda!

Glad to hear about your new tank and the joy you are experiencing. I am going through trials and errors myself and it can get expensive so do your homework and keep your questions coming here for reliable, honest answers and guidance to informative articles. Get rid of the Hydrometer as soon as money allows. They are very unreliable. Be extra sure that each and every time you use it, Rinse It! If not, salt will build up on the needle and your result will be way off. I love my refractometer and will never go back to anything else. It's dead on the money. Now I wish the rest of my trials would be solved so easily.

Best wishes you you and your new roomies because they are now a part of your family!

[buddah001]

Yeah I was planning on junking it (the hydrometer) rihgt after christmas. You can find the refractometer on e-bay for a good price.

[CarmieJo]

Yippee!

I will second the advice to closely monitor your water and be prepared to do a water change if you see the levels creeping up. Ammonia and nitrite should never be above zero.

Plastic swing arm hydrometers - used and cared for properly - are surprisingly reliable. The part between the dashes is the problem. A plastic hydrometer may be inaccurate but it will be consistently inaccurate. Once you know the inaccuracy you will know the SpG of your tank if you have kept the hydrometer clean and knocked all of the bubbles off of the arm. The only thing I would NEVER use a plastic hydrometer for is hyposalinity.

Here are 2 articles about hydrometers. Hydrometer Review and Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Lateral Lines: Hydrometer Observations Part I.

I am not trying to discourage you from buying a refractometer. They are accurate, simple to use and reasonably priced. Until then, rinse your hydrometer with RO/DI every time you use it and make sure there are no tiny bubbles on the arm and you will be fine.