New to salt water

[Myka]

BlueTang has good advice. Although I would still test the big three with those LPS in there. H2Ocean is a good salt, and the parameters seem to be fairly reliable (some people have noted low magnesium though). Buying a high quality salt like that will often dismiss the need for supplementing provided the salt isn't lacking, and regular water changes are performed. Test every new bucket before use, and supplement the freshly mixed saltwater as needed.

If you take a read through the "My tanks" link in my signature you will find an article about calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium as well as doing proper water changes (in the novice article I think). Those articles are easy reading, and have lots of basic info.

[BlueTang<3]

another thing is it a good habit to get some airline and a valve or tie a knot and drip acclimate everything

[Chase31]

yea i think im going to use a 3 gal bucket (well depending on the fish to accumulate it our LFS tests ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites, basically it tests all the stuff you need for a fresh water tank. as for the adgitation i might invest in a spray bar, im going to get a RO to help out then just do the water changes for now, buying the rock from a used source for about 4-5 a lbs will save me alot, thanks for all the advice everyone, looks like ill be well on my way to getting a CUC in the next couple of weeks

[Myka]

For circulation check into a powerhead or two. A single Koralia 2 or pair would probably do quite well in there to supplement the spray bar. As mentioned earlier, it will be important for you to aim a powerhead (or the spray bar) at the surface so you ripple the surface fiarly strongly. This improves water quality by reducing the greasy layer that will try to accumulate on the surface without a sump, and also helps to keep your pH up without the help of a skimmer.

[Chase31]

currently the return is very close to the top so the one side is very rippled

[Myka]

Perfect. You will probably still need a supplemental powerhead though. Try to find a used one to save a few bucks.

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by Chase31

i know my store in st albert will test nirates but the rest i have to do myself

Originally Posted by Myka

That's too bad the LFS won't test for ammonia and nitrite too.

Just so you know AI (aquarium illusions) will test your water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates.