followup

Question
I guess I could try salt one more time from scratch, seeing as this freshwater setup isn't going much better. Now we have a fuzzy fog-like layer of slime on the bottom only.....The betta has been in there since may 11th, so far so good ....but i would really rather have saltwater setup again. But i probably need step by step instructions, because every fish we put in there could expect to live for maybe a best of 3 days. we recently even tried 3 baby sharks in this fresh setup...they did great the first night ,but were dead by morning....we've spent a fortune on this since february, and can't afford to keep killing fish...and i will check on getting the aqua clear setup, plus i dont know if i'm supposed to have an undergravel filter or aerators, or anything, i have no clue, and noone around here can help me out....thanx in advance......

Answer


Mike,

here is your step by step:

I would buy a power filter.  They cost about 15.00.  They are great water movers and help to aerate your tank.

1. Sanitize your entire system (tank, filter and filter componets).
2.  Fill tank and let it run for 48 hours. Make sure lights work, heater/filter is working.
3.  Temp should be 78-82 degrees.
4. Fill your tank with Spring water (buy it at supermarket)
5.  After 48 hours add your salt.  (instant ocean works well).
5A.  Your saltwater salinity has to be 1.020 to 1.025 this is a must.
6. I always buy  Cured live rock to cycle my tank.  Cycling tanks takes two to  four weeks and is very important!! .  ( let me know on this one ).   it's your foundation of the system.   
7. Once this is done get back to me this is your first step
water testing and complete cycling will come next.

Hope to here from you soon
Todd