adding water

Question
QUESTION: inherited a 30 gal tank downsized from 75 gal, it is leaking.  now want a 45 how much "new" water can I add and at what rate?

ANSWER: Hi Doreen,

Generally, provided you have 50% of the original already acclimated aquarium saltwater you should be okay, with adding an additional 50% of new freshly made saltwater or filtered ocean water.

If you live near a coastal city, often times you can find a university or retailer that is offering filtered ocean water. Filtered ocean water contains the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms.

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

http://www.ocreef.com - Director
(For $5.00 off your first online order at OCReef.com, use coupon code 5OFF during check-out).

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: now that I enlarged my tank it looks empty, can I add more "live" rock? or should I go with oramental things?

Answer

Live Rock   Hi Doreen,

Yes, you should definitely add more live rock.

Live Rock will benefit not only reef aquariums, but also saltwater fish-only tanks. Live rock will provide a natural food source for some fish, aid in the breakdown of waste produced by aquarium inhabitants, and create a foundation for live corals or decorations in a fish-only aquarium. Many beneficial life forms such as plants, worms, sponges, starfish, crustaceans, and mollusks will appear after several months in the aquarium from the addition of new cured live rock.

Happy New Year!

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

http://www.ocreef.com - Director