Looking into this hobby, Need a good info database

Discussion in 'Announcements' started by Cats_paw, Jan 20, 2016.

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How long it takes to get a good understanding of reef tanks?

  1. 1 month

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. 6 months

    11.1%
  3. 1 year

    11.1%
  4. 5 years or more

    77.8%
  1. Va Reef

    Va Reef Giant Squid

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    Not that I'm aware of. That low pH is required to break down the media and "get" the calcium, alkalinity, and sometimes mag, "out" of the media. The only way to properly maintain the 6.2-6.5 pH seems to be with a CO2 bottle
     
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  3. dacianb

    dacianb Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2016
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    Location:
    Belgium
    never heard of co2 bottles use, but you should not be afraid of it - any beer, coke or whatever sparkling liquid we use is actually under pressure CO2 bottles :)
    Depend by corals you will keep, but for the next year (and maybe even more) calcium reactors are useless. When will have massive sps growth, then yeah, it may need one, or can just use liquid calcium to drop in tank.
     
  4. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    If you go with a calcium reactor buy a high quality welding gauge. DO NOT SCRIMP HERE. It will have a dual valve if I remember right to prevent CO2 disasters. I used one for 2 or 3 years with a high tech planted tank set up with no issues. CO2 bottles can be bought and refilled cheapest from home brew stores.

    Send the reactor effluent to your skimmer to mix in O2 to keep your pH the most steady.
     
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  5. Cats_paw

    Cats_paw Plankton

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2016
    Messages:
    4
    Ok... after further study, I decided I need to move to a home (a large one) instead of an apartment. too much trouble to get a good aquarium in an apartment....
    So, Into saving for a home. Cya in .. 10 years?

    Sad but, No point in getting a small aquarium with high maintenance just to not enjoy it.
     
  6. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    Location:
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    Sorry but I don't agree. You can do a small easy maintenance tank in an apartment. I did for four years. Had a 55 gallon with a 20 gallon fuge.
     
  7. Piano10

    Piano10 Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2015
    Messages:
    581
    I disagree as well.

    Regardless of size and regardless of how much equipment you have-reef tanks require regular dedication and maintenance. There is no tank that is set up and enjoy, unless you are paying someone to be dedicated to the maintenance.

    I've had 55g reef tank and now a 10g and 15g....same amount of maintenance and dedication.

    The only reason I would want a tank larger than 90g is for the big fish I love.
     
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