Is my PetCo telling me lies?????

Fish stores carry tests. If you don't want to use a local fish store, there are plenty of online stores that sell test kits.

 

well if you have rocks you will have placement for corals and stuff.

having a nice aquascape for your fish to hide in and sleep. they also help with the natural filtration of the tank.
Id suggest you getting about 20-25lbs. or so.. ROcks will actually look amazing once Coraline and algae starts growing from them. Its actually pretty exiting to see life come to be from nothing. Just add water;D ( and salt and light lol)

everybody else pretty much already said the hydrometer, more salt, the rock, and if you intend to have corals the lights... ( dont use fake plants and stuff.. it looks tacky.. IMO.)

 

Sorry to here about your situation. Welcome to 3reef & keep asking questions whn you aren't sure on anything.

 

Do you have a picture you could take of the tank so we can see how it sits now?

 

I think before all of this, you need to need to realize the time, money and dedication you need to have a salt water tank. I say the same thing to many new hobbyists. Many people don't realize the time and money involved. They start out in a similar fashion as you and then their tank crashes a few weeks or months later. You need to sit down and ask yourself if you have the time, money and dedication to be in this hobby. Money isn't as important as you can buy a lot of used equipment, however, even given that, IMO, it's still an expensive hobby. You need to do regular water changes, understand some basic chemistry, clean filters, top off water, feed, dose if necessary. It's may not sound like a lot, but ask anybody, and those who are successful in this hobby spend lots of time and dedication to this hobby. If you think you will be able to do this, then I wish you the best of luck. I may sound blunt, but I don't like to sugar coat things. This is how it is. It's a great hobby and very rewarding, but it also has it's negatives. The first thing you should do after you return your livestock is to find a good book on this hobby, preferably a newer book. That should explain all of the basics and how you should go about getting started and setting up a proper tank. Good luck.

 

Read this stuff.

 

WOW....... That is all I can say, that douchebag employee deserves a royal kick to the stones...

Listen to 3reef, these people know there stuff!

 

GOOD JOB! i like this link.. i think ill save it for future reference hehe;D

 

"This" link? There's 3 there lol

 

Guitarman has a point. My 14" cube tank build was about $500 before adding water.