• I need advice!

  • Lauren

Hello, esteemed forum members! I would like to ask for your advice or consultation. After 5 years, I want to switch from a freshwater aquarium to a saltwater one. The aquarium is 180 liters, with 2 25W lamps (aqua-glo), a Tetra EX700 canister filter with the standard internal components, a Tetra compressor, and a heater. I have recently acquired a Miniflotor Aqua Medic and a Hydor Koralia3 pump, and I plan to purchase a UV filter soon. Is this equipment sufficient, or do I need additional items? I've been advised to get a second canister filter. Is it necessary? What is better to use instead of the standard sponges in the filter? What is the best way to create the substrate? And how can I neatly hide all the tubing? Please advise. I

Anne4851

Hello! First of all, you need to install a reverse osmosis system for water preparation, plus marine tests, plus salt, aragonite sand at the bottom, and live rocks in the aquarium. In general, read similar topics here on the forum in the marine aquariums section, for example, "Mini Nemo for my son" and others. You need to read a lot more before starting—you are not well-versed theoretically. It would be even better to find an experienced marine mentor. Best regards, Vasily.

Heather6148

Ask "". He is a responsive person and knows the sea well.

Michelle9986

Regarding the stones and salt, that's all clear. If I don't want a sandy bottom but something alternative: some kind of gravel? And what if I go without osmosis? I want a sea without corals (possibly in the future). Still, I haven't received advice on the equipment: will what I have be enough, and will I have enough light? Thank you in advance.

Danielle

You can use gravel, just put a thin layer to cover the bottom. There will be enough light for the fish; they don't care about light, although I would add more light over time for myself, as it will be a bit dark. Put charcoal and anti-phosphate in the canister. Osmosis is a must.

Dana4701

Here’s some advice for you.

Jeffrey496

Which is better, sand or crushed coral? Some regret using crushed coral, saying that sand is better. Others, on the contrary, prefer crushed coral.

Darrell7542

It's up to you to choose. You can create a DSB. However, this is mainly done in medium to large reef aquariums. From this, we get another biological filter. Coral sand is a way to cover the bottom of the aquarium and give it an aesthetic appearance. Another advantage is that coral substrate can and should be siphoned.

Nicole7268

I have gravel in my reef aquarium, and I don't regret putting it in... For a fish aquarium, as Pavlik already mentioned, gravel is better, but it should be fine... As for sand and, consequently, the DSB itself, no one really knows about its benefits yet. I can only say that both sand and gravel can yield good results, and vice versa, and it's up to you to decide what you prefer...

Jason

just hide it all in the samp, so it doesn't stick out like in photo #1...

Chelsea567

I recommend considering the PRISM skimmer from Red Sea (for aquariums up to 400 liters). The advantages of this model are: 1. It hangs outside; 2. Compact size; 3. High-quality skimmer (I believe experienced marine enthusiasts won't argue with this); 4. It has a compartment for carbon. You will have a decent power reserve, and you don't need to worry about a sump right away. Good luck.

Guy

And why, Pavel? What kind of sump in the nano aquarium?

Rodney

An aquarium will be aesthetically more pleasing. Otherwise, there will be some kind of junk sticking out...

Samuel6138

It's a very useful thing! And then it can be decorated with foam to look like a rock.

Andrew9246

It is not recommended to use mounting foam at sea. It will also interfere with maintenance.

Lynn4242

It's interesting to see such an aquarium.

Joshua8425

I will show it soon! Added in 2 minutes And who will push it into the sea? Everything is on top. And how to mix it? I took off the accumulator, washed it, and that's it. Fedor, how to ask for a little bit of grass? And there might be some extra from the waste.