Brackish 'journal'

[demonmagus]

Hi, I'm going to convert my 36 by 12 by 15 (inches) FW to BW, around s.g. 1.005 or so.

atm this thread is just here so I don't make multiple question threads, then when I actually get it going I'll try and get some piccys. (no camera atm either ) .

I've been told I can go to 1.005 in a day from FW - and keep the tank cycled, how would I go about this? 10% WC every couple of hours with s.g. 1.005 water?

I'm going to shop for some decor, I only have bogwood atm which I understand is not good in brackish - or because it's light brackish does this matter?

atm the FW tank contains 1 female krib - I've heard they also like brackish but could I change the tank water to 1.005 with her in it?


thanks

 

[nmonks]

I've been told I can go to 1.005 in a day from FW - and keep the tank cycled, how would I go about this? 10% WC every couple of hours with s.g. 1.005 water?

Correct. The balance of experience seems to be freshwater filter bacteria acclimate to SG 1.005 without problems. I'd perhaps go to SG 1.003 on one weekend, and to SG 1.005 the next. Most low-end brackish water fish couldn't care less about SG 1.003 instead of SG 1.005 in the short term or even long term. But spacing the changes would give you a chance to test for ammonia/nitrite and generally satisfy yourself everything is good.

I'm going to shop for some decor, I only have bogwood atm which I understand is not good in brackish - or because it's light brackish does this matter?

It's not so much it's bad in brackish, just less good than in freshwater. It does seem to rot more quickly, though that isn't universally the case. It stains the water brown, which isn't always the effect people want with brackish tanks. That said, at SG 1.005 you'll be fine, and brackish water fish themselves could care less about the colour of the water. Most quite like tea-coloured water, and things like BBGs and glassfish look so much nicer in it. Your big issue is pH; but assuming you do water changes and use marine salt mix, this shouldn't be a big deal. Adding crushed coral to the filter as a chemical buffer is the antidote. Of course, ceramic mangrove roots and plastic plants are a whole lot easier.

atm the FW tank contains 1 female krib - I've heard they also like brackish but could I change the tank water to 1.005 with her in it?

Kribs tolerate brackish water well. They don't need brackish water, and it's definitely sub-optimal in terms of breeding. But like most cichlids, they adapt quickly, and brackish water is, to a slight degree, a natural part of kribs' habitat. Don't take her above SG 1.005 though.

Cheers, Neale

 

[demonmagus]

thanks


I won't be keeping the krib in there, she'll be off to the LFS ASAP - I'll shop around for mangrove roots e.t.c. as well

 

[Maximus]

Hmm *runs off downstairs*

Ah! I have a fake mangrove root going free, well, if you pay postage
Tis' a bit large though...

I'll try and get some pics, but I just got a new phone and it's confusing using the software lol

Unless you want real mangroves

 

[demonmagus]

wow that would be great

an approx size would be awesome


thanks

 

[Maximus]

Cools

*runs to measure*

Right, it's an arkward shape to measure lol

22cm tallest point
28cm (ish) widest point
38/40cm (ish) long

I'll try and upload some pictures in a minute, but I'm a bit busy tonight (house party )
So if not, they'll be here tomorrow night. (got work in the day lol)

Hope that helps lol

 

[Maximus]

Oh, looks like I am I master of my new phone lol

Here ye' go:

The "front"

The "back"

It's gonna be a ***** to send lol

 

[Lhutch]

ah u copy cat

 

[demonmagus]

how much would postage on that be, don't think it counts as a letter

 

[Maximus]

Tbh...not a clue lol

Any way of finding out?

 

[demonmagus]

take it to the post office maybe they have a guide on the website (the post office)?

 

[Lhutch]

shouldnt be bad,post pics when you get em 8)

 

[Maximus]

take it to the post office maybe they have a guide on the website (the post office)?

Right, I'm off out in a few minutes, so I'll have to let you know tomorrow night maybe?

Sorry, I'm busy all weekend but if I don't find out then, I will next week

 

[demonmagus]

awesome, don't worry I'm out all weekend (at least Saturday anyway)


thanks