water prep

[fishdaddy3]

it has been a long time since I started a tank from scratch and I can't remember how I prepped the start up water. I know that I used tap water, and this is what i'll be using this time around, but I tested the ph and it registered at a 6.5. (it was an old freshwater tester) What else should I be checking and how can I prepare the water for a reef tank.

everyting is plumbed, I just need to add water...i'm freakin' shaking cause I'm so close!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mrgreen:

[Quinn]

Well... you'd want to add the salt... at that point in time, the pH should be ~8.2, salinity at ~1.025...

[fishdaddy3]

right...the salt :lol:

[Quinn]

:eek: Umm... if you couldn't remember that, may I suggest you stop now and read through a few good books on marine aquariums to refresh your memory?

[martym]

Are you sure you want to use tap water??

[Aquattro]

Tap water bad... :neutral:

[TANGOMAN]

Start with chuckin' that old freshwater pH test kit... :wink: .
Books are a priceless investment too.

[BCOrchidGuy]

If I remember right K town water is not considered great. I'd buy a R/O unit or at the very least a DI unit.. Aquarium pharmaceuticals makes the tap water purifier. Buy two cartridges and there are links around to tell you how to recharge them.

Doug

[StirCrazy]

how big is the tank? you could always go to save on foods ect.. and buy ro water for 3 bucks per 5 gal if you can't aford to shell out for a ro unit at this time.

Steve