I might have bit off more than I can chew...

[Starfire]

I just called on an ad in Craigslist for a 29g reef tank with a 3 band maroon clown fish and a tank full of live coral among a bunch of other stuff. I couldn't pass it up for $125 and I've been wanting a reef tank to go with my 52g freshwater tank.

Problem is, I'm not really sure how to get all this stuff home and set-up with the least amount of stress on both the fish and the coral.:help:

I'm thinking I should try to bring as much of the water back with me but even that seems like a daunting task.

Anybody have any ideas of how to accomplish this? The set-up comes with a stand, Coralife lights, and a bunch of chemicals/additives.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

[cocoa_pleco]

if its not possible to take the current water, make sure that the new water is as close to the tanks salinity as possible. try to make a nice LR stack to make the fish feel comfortable after the move, and gently move the corals.

any other questions feel free to ask!

[Starfire]

Thank you. I was wondering if there was a prefered brand of salt? Also, what kind of hydrometer is best?

Until recently I had taken about a 10 year break since my last aquarium and just got back into the hobby about a month ago. I'm not a newb when it comes to fw but I am a rookie as far as saltwater goes. I also don't usually jump in the deep end without alot of research so I feel kind of overwelmed. I guess I'll learn this stuff the hard way.

I found the post titled "How to start a saltwater aquarium" and found it very informative. Hopefully, I can limp my way through to a successfull outcome.

Thanks again for the help. Please feel free to post any other tidbits of information.

[Starfire]

Sorry, double posted.

[cocoa_pleco]

i usually just use the instant ocean salt mix, and instant ocean hydrometer. my old instant ocean hydrometer hasnt failed my for 4 years .

one quick thing is to know where the corals youre getting like to be placed in the tank, like on the LR or on the substrate etc.

[stunner]

I'm new to SW tanks too(just started mine up last week:D). I use Instant Ocean salt and an Instant Ocean hydrometer. Many people will suggest getting a refractometer, but I didn't due to price. I think I might later on though...not just yet though.

Hmm....if you'll be replacing the water, premix your water at least the night before so you can let it stabilize and heat it up to the proper temperature. Also use RO, or RO/DI water. BTW, that is a nice price....wish I found something like that haha.

Also with SW tanks, especially reef, you'll want good water movement and surface agitation in the tank, along with good lighting depending on the corals you keep. This is probably already set up properly since the tank is set up...but I would check into it and upgrade it if need be.

[Rue]

Yes, I'd be inclined to take just enough old water to cover the live rock (in buckets) and to house the other critters...

And then as soon as you get it home, start up with the new saltwater...if you can mix it up the night before since you need to put animals in it pronto...

I'd also only take a little of the old sand with me...and do the rest of the substrate with new sand...

[Starfire]

Thanks guys for all the info. Unfortunately, there was some mix up and they sold the tank to somebody else. Me not happy about it but oh well. I did learn a few things so I'll be more prepared for the next great deal that comes around.

BTW...for those looking for good deals on aquariums, check out Craigslist. I find whole set-up (tanks, filter, heater, stands, even fish/corals) from 55g on up for less than $700 on average. Some of the nicer set up are around $1k-$1,200 so this is an awesome way to get into a nice system. Last month I bought a 52g stretch hex tank, stand, Magnum 350 w/dual Bio-wheels, 200w heater, sand, and misc. stuff for $300. The set-up was less then 6 months old. Sure beats the Petco prices.

Thanks again everyone.

[cocoa_pleco]

theres good deals here too. someone has a 2 year old high-tech hagen pro 55g with stand, fluval canister, and HO lights for $100, excellent shape.

too bad for the 29g. sorry to hear that

[unleashed]

I would always use a refractometer. they are far more reliable and accurate than a hydrometer. Also, I use Red Sea salt for my mixes. When transporting LR, I just place it all in a poly box, place some newspaper in the tank where the LR came from (to soak up some water), then place the wet newspaper over the top of the LR. This keeps the LR at the right temperature and wet. Best thing is though, most of the life actually survives