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How do I
convert my freshwater system into a saltwater system?
This question is
rather complicated because there are so many different styles of
aquariums on the market, which means there are a lot of
variables. NorthSide's expert staff can help you with
these other variables.
That being said, there are some things that one MUST do:
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1. Take
everything out of the aquarium. This includes
gravel and decorations.
2. Get a saltwater substrate (gravel). This
will help to keep the pH above 8.0.
Good substrates include Seachem
and CaribSea products.
3. Get a GOOD skimmer that is rated for your size
aquarium. NorthSide staff members can help you
with this decision. Having an insufficient skimmer
means you WILL have bad algae problems.
A good, reasonably priced
hang-on-the-back skimmer is by Reef Octopus. A very
good in-sump style skimmer is made by Reef Dynamics
(formerly EuroReef).
4.
If you plan to keep
corals, you will need the appropriate lighting - T5,
LED, or Metal Halide are the way to go. Avoid
getting an older Power Compact or T12 (VHO) light, as
these bulbs are soon to go out of production. Ask one
of the staff members at a reliable local fish store for
assistance with the right choice for your setup.
5. Stop using tap water. You need
Reverse Osmosis/DeIonized (RO/DI)
water. (Pronounced R-O-D-I. Each letter is spelled
out.) . NorthSide sells the water and the filters
that make the water if you prefer to make it at home.
6. Buy synthetic sea salt for saltwater systems.
The best one on the market is
Seachem’s Salinity, next to that is Seachem’s Reef
Salt. If you have a fish-only tank, then use Seachem’s
Marine Salt. These salts are very different than
"aquarium salt" that you put in a freshwater tank.
Seachem salt costs a little more, but you save money
because their salt contains high buffering capacity
which will keep your pH stable and means that you won’t
constantly have to add buffer, and their reef salts
contain tons of trace elements, meaning you won’t have
to add so many supplements.
7. Buy a refractometer or hydrometer to measure
salinity. A
refractometer is preferable because it will give you a
very accurate readout. Hydrometers are a “best effort”
tool. They tend to be off if you have any bubbles on
the swing arm when you are reading it, and any residual
salt that is not cleaned out after EVERY use can sway
your results. |
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