New to Saltwater - So Many Questions!

[Aquattro]

Welcome to Canreef

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f1...rm-128390.html

[WarDog]

OMG Brad... That is so mean! Lol!

Welcome to Canreef River! Worms are a fact of life when keeping a reef, so get use to them now. I started with all dry rock and am fastidious about dipping frags. My tank is 5 months old and I have worms, pods, bubble algae, sponges and aptasia all come in on frags. Life will always find a way into your tank. Also be prepared for your beneficial bacteria to take longer establishing with dry rock. If I could give you one piece of advice as one noob to another, use some live rock.

[reefwars]

I wouldn't worry about ph right now adding sodium bicarbonate is only going to raise your alk with nothing to bring it down , the ph rising effect is very short lived.

Skimmer?

[reefwars]

Your ph will get better once photosynthesis strats taking place in the tank but you can help it along by running a skimmer or more fresh air and good circulation

[rsisvixen]

I started with a couple of hermits and ceriths, just to help maintain algae and diatoms.

I went base rock too, but I did use live sand to help with getting bacteria into the tank.

[canadianbudz604]

Ya I wouldn't worry about adding any buffers to your tank right now, once ur fully cycled change 20% of your water and all should be good. Because you have a 26g weekly water changes after the cycle are the best thing you can do for your tank. Then you won't really have to worry about any buffers or anything.

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by canadianbudz604

Ya I wouldn't worry about adding any buffers to your tank right now, once ur fully cycled change 20% of your water and all should be good. Because you have a 26g weekly water changes after the cycle are the best thing you can do for your tank. Then you won't really have to worry about any buffers or anything.

+1

Seems like you are off the a great start.

[River]

Wow, thanks all for the responses - wasn't really expecting that! Good to know about the ph. I do have a skimmer but it's not running yet. I did a dumb right off the bat and need to wait until after a water change or two to get it going. (Ran out of ro water and figured a couple gallons of tap water wouldn't hurt. Stress Coat did though. Won't be making that mistake again!)

I'm just headed to work though, so I'll put up a better reply on my break. Just wanted to say thanks in the meantime!