new to aquariums

[karilamb]

Hi, everyone!

I feel like I need saltwater for dummies. I've already killed several fish, including a gorgeous coral beauty. The only thing I seem to be able to keep alive are those meanies called damsels. I'm hoping to pick up some tips from you.

Thanks in advance,
Kari

[karilamb]

I have a question:

My tank is new, about two months old. It was cycled with live rock and two damsels. All my tests show the water is fine. I have a test-tube type kit which tests pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.

I've added a few fish, but all have eventually died, except the original damsels. I took them back to the store, as they were rough on the new fish.

Should I be testing the water for something else? We have hard well water. The fish do well for about a week, then die for no apparent reason.

I do have some crabs and a fireworm (which I just found) who seem to be doing well.

Thanks for any advice,

Kari

[DaveK]

Originally Posted by karilamb

...
I feel like I need saltwater for dummies. ...

You have more or less diagnosed your problem. Reef keeping is very complex, and unlike FW aquariums, you can't learn everything you need to know from the net. You not only need to know what to do, but why you are doing it.

The best thing for you do do at this point is to get a few books on state of the art reef systems. Then read and understand the material. At that point you should be able to see the mistakes you are making, and be able to ask specific questions.

Two good books to stat with are -

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner
The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta

They will give you a good start. Knowledge is the key to success in reef systems. Once you have that knowledge, you will have good results.

Good Luck!

[karilamb]

Thanks, Dave. You're right. The fish store didn't do me any favors. I probably should have stayed with tropical fish, but now I'm committed to fixing my problem and having a great saltwater tank!

[Dentoid]

Welcome Kari! Don't feel bad, it's a common occurrence in this hobby for newbies to jump in before armed with adequate knowledge. In the meantime, while you get through the above reading which are excellent resources, do not put anymore livestock in your tank until you have a better understanding of the biological system. As you go through the assignment (), you'll have plenty of questions. With due diligence and research you will have a spectacular system!

[JWarren]

Welcome to RS Kari!

Yeah, don't feel bad! There is a lot to learn!

Start a thread about your system. List your test parameters and everything you have in your system including what size tank and what kind of sump or filter system you have. There are plenty of people here that will answer any questions you may have. A couple of good books won't hurt either. Just don't get discouraged while trying to understand everything, it's going to be a slow process but well worth it!

[AQTCJAK]

Welcome Aboard

[SJS]

Hi Kari! Welcome to RS. This is a great resource for all kinds of information. Read the sticky's, other peoples threads and new posts. I read stuff I dont think I need to learn, because eventually you will need it!!
Successful saltwater reef keeping is pretty complex - but very rewarding. Dont add anything new to your tank till you get some education - your bank account and the fish will thank you!
Like others said - post the details about your tank - this will help others give you advice and feedback. You can post them in your signature line, that way you dont have to put them in each time you post.
Add last - but possibly most important - be very skeptical of what your LFS tells you. They are trying to make $$$ off you - people here have your interests in mind.

[karilamb]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas! I've already reread my aquarium book and several threads. I'm seeing many mistakes I've already made.

Since I now know my water is not the quality it should be (it came straight out of my well), I'm wondering what to do to fix it. My canister filter doesn't seem to be doing the best job. I've been reading about a skimmer and additional filtration methods. Do you think I should add filtration?

Ammonia, nitrates, nitrites are all at zero. Specific gravity is 1.021. My existing fish seem to be okay.

[JWarren]

Invest in an RO/DI unit. It will be the best thing you can have to insure good quality water and not have to worry about the water you are adding to the tank. Eliminating this as a possible cause of problems (contaminated water) will do more good than you will ever know.

[fishnu]

Originally Posted by JWarren

Invest in an RO/DI unit. It will be the best thing you can have to insure good quality water and not have to worry about the water you are adding to the tank. Eliminating this as a possible cause of problems (contaminated water) will do more good than you will ever know.

Plus RO water makes great coffee.

[JWarren]

Absolutely!

[karilamb]

Hey! I already have a RO drinking fountain in my kitchen, but it only makes three gallons at a time. Is this the same thing? I guess I could just use gallon jugs to save up enough for a partial water change.

[karilamb]

Hey! I already have a RO drinking fountain in my kitchen, but it only makes three gallons at a time. Is this the same thing? I guess I could just use gallon jugs to save up enough for a partial water change.

[Octoman]

You may be able to tee off of the line going from the RO unit to the fountain and run a separate line to fill up jugs with. That way you could add a DI filter as well and then you would have very clean water.