I have had freshwater tanks for as long as I can remember and am wanting to try a reef tank now. I have spent a few weeks doing research but still have a few (probably stupid) questions that I cannot seem to find answers to.
Just to be clear, I DO NOT currently have a salt water system up and running.
I can use either a 36 or a 55 gallon to do this, considering it is my first attempt, which would be better to start with?
Is there an ideal ph, all I can find is 8.0 - 8.4. RO water is ph 7, how do you raise it? In particular how do you get it to match the parameters of the tank before you add more water? Does adding the reef salt raise the ph?
What's the deal with live sand? I read many articles that say it is a must have and just as many that say it is a waste of money because anything in the sand died when it was packaged. Some say to mix crushed coral with the sand and others say not to, any thoughts on this?
It is funny, the more research I do the more confused I get. I welcome any advice and information that may be helpful.
Just to be clear, I DO NOT currently have a salt water system up and running.
I can use either a 36 or a 55 gallon to do this, considering it is my first attempt, which would be better to start with?
Is there an ideal ph, all I can find is 8.0 - 8.4. RO water is ph 7, how do you raise it? In particular how do you get it to match the parameters of the tank before you add more water? Does adding the reef salt raise the ph?
What's the deal with live sand? I read many articles that say it is a must have and just as many that say it is a waste of money because anything in the sand died when it was packaged. Some say to mix crushed coral with the sand and others say not to, any thoughts on this?
It is funny, the more research I do the more confused I get. I welcome any advice and information that may be helpful.
