My Nano Journal!

[summat fishy]

hello people, rite here we go im launching myself into the nano craze, and was after as much help as i can possibly get... i have my tank, and im not setting it up until im entirely happy with everything and until you guys help me out. i need help using my hydrometer, and if its ok to run my aquarium without live rock for a few weeks with just live sand. will post pics but i dunno how to because i dont know how so if someone will explain i will be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance sumat fishy

 

[nanocubeking]

hello people, rite here we go im launching myself into the nano craze, and was after as much help as i can possibly get... i have my tank, and im not setting it up until im entirely happy with everything and until you guys help me out. i need help using my hydrometer, and if its ok to run my aquarium without live rock for a few weeks with just live sand. will post pics but i dunno how to because i dont know how so if someone will explain i will be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance sumat fishy

Hi, welcome to the forum. So how big is your tank? What all do you have yet? What do you want to do with your tank? Reef, fish only (Fo) or a Fish only with live rock (Fowlr). And to post pics you should open a Photobucket account download pics to the account and past the IMG code to the reply.

-Miles

 

[chrissaysyes]

Yeah man, give us some specifics! Tell us about your setup and all of your goals. Best of luck to ya, and thanks for including us in your adventure!

 

[1entra]

It might be worthwile doing a bit more research before starting up a marine tank and asking us questions with regards to anything you dont understand.

Also have a look at other members journals and see how they got on and what equipment etc they required!

Tanks size and other details as mentioned by others would help us to help you

 

[chrissaysyes]

By the way, are you sure you have a hydrometer? I dont really see how you'd need any help with it, you just scoop up water then check where the arm stops. You can run with just sand for a while if youd like. Get the salinity, pH, and temp stable and where you want them, then add your sand or rock or both.

 

[summat fishy]

sorry guys should have said, and il get a photobucket account now! tank specification is as follows:

tank : 30cm x 30cm x 35cm ( 7 uk gallong i believe) i know its small!

heater: tropico 50w heater

filter: niagra 250 filter with carbon and sponge ( going to purcahse some glax stone and put some broken up live rock in ther as well!)

salt: 2kg of marine salt ( dont know the brand)

lighting: 18w Wave lighting, with marine bulb

floating hydrometer ( please help guys!)

powerhead: maxi powerhead 600lph

air pump with air stone, ( was also wondering how to get a mist of bubbles guys)

ive also got a test kit which i purchased yesterday, and a bag of caribreef live sand, all ready for water now but can not get RO... im gonna use britta filtered for now with conditioner me thinks...

pics will come on as soon as ive got a photobucket account!

thanks in advance summat fishy

 

[chrissaysyes]

What dont you understand about the hydrometer?

 

[summat fishy]

What dont you understand about the hydrometer?

just before i make myself look like a spoon, a hydrometer is used for salanity? i dont understand how you measure with it, as its like a thermometer thing...

 

[chrissaysyes]

hydrometers measure specific gravity, which when certain temperatures are present, can help you determine salinity.

 

[nanocubeking]

Stick the hydrometer in the water allow it to fill up, watch where the neeedle stops and there your specific gravity.

 

[timpetty]

If I understand your description, I think you have something like this http/dorrypets.co.za/components/com_virt...78b813900ff.jpg. If its that, you just have to add salt until the hydrometer floats with the water level in the thin green strip. I found it hard to read and not so reliable. IMHO I would recommend http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...ometer&Np=1. Its even on sale! Its not too expensive and MUCH more accurate than trying to guess what your SG is with the float.

 

[summat fishy]

If I understand your description, I think you have something like this [URL="http/dorrypets.co.za/components/com_virt...78b813900ff.jpg"]http/dorrypets.co.za/components/com_virt...78b813900ff.jpg[/URL]. If its that, you just have to add salt until the hydrometer floats with the water level in the thin green strip. I found it hard to read and not so reliable. IMHO I would recommend [URL="http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...ometer&Np=1"]http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...ometer&Np=1[/URL]. Its even on sale! Its not too expensive and MUCH more accurate than trying to guess what your SG is with the float.

thats the one! rite thanks now i know what to do with the bloody thing i can start mixing salt water! whats the best method to do it? add fresh water ( RO or other) into a bucket, add the hydrometer and add salt bit by bit? should i mix it up to make it dissolve more quickly and keep checking?

thanks in advance summat fishy

 

[timpetty]

Since your tank is empty you can mix it right in there. Fill it with water first and check all connections and seals for possible leaks. Then put your heater on and get it up to temperature (SG is affected by temp). Once up to temp turn on your powerhead and start adding salt. Most salt comes with instructions on the container. Usually how many cups of salt added per gallon of water. Always put a little less than you think you will need. It is easier to add small amounts to get it up than removing SW and then adding more fresh water. Good luck!

 

[chrissaysyes]

the bag should tell you about how much to add per gallon to reach 1.024. I believe with most brands its like a half cup per gallon.

 

[piranha_trader]

I was looking on ebay and there seems to be a plethora of algaes for sale. (for the refugium)

Which ones do you guys prefer?

Is it ok to mix and match?