Questions and answers

• Question

How to stop red slime algae?

• Answer

First check for phosphate levels, then silicates. If these are correct normally it is insufficient water movement, insufficient lighting or old lights that need to be replaced. One can also drop the salinity, do three successive water changes and use activated carbon for two weeks.

• Question

How many times an hour should one’s tank water turn over?

• Answer

If it is a reef tank, total volume through the filter should be twice on hour. While a fish only system up to four times in hour, and up to ten times an hour in the tank.

• Question

What is the most important water test in a reef tank, or a fish only system?

• Answer

PH, nitrates, calcium levels and alkalinity are the most important for a reef tank, while nitrates and PH are the most important for fish only. The PH level should read 8.2. Nitrates as close to zero as possible and calcium levels about 450 parts per million.

• Question

The importance of R.O. water?

• Answer

It helps prevent green hair algae, red slime algae, and the bleaching of coral. In   tap water we have very high phosphates, which is the cause for all the above problems.

• Question

What supplements should one use?

• Answer

Iodine, strontium and kalkwasser are the three most important.  Iodine and strontium should be used weekly. Kalkwasser should be put into top up water or dripped in slowly over a period of a couple of hours at least three times a week. Kalkwasser has a very high PH, this is the reason for dripping it in slowly. It also maintains alkalinity, which in turn creates stability in the PH, and helps to maintain the calcium level.

• Question

Is marine fish keeping difficult?

• Answer

There is no straight yes or no to this question but if approached correctly should not be too difficult. Do your homework before investing in a fish tank and the right equipment. Read books, use the Internet and best of all, speak to people that are already in the hobby. Then decide if the hobby is for you, as it requires time and effort. If one has the time for the hobby, it can be most enjoyable and very addictive.

• Question

Should I start with a fish only or a reef tank?

• Answer

I generally advise people to start with a fish only system, as a fish only system is generally less expensive to set up. Also understanding  the water chemistry is not  so difficult .Start with fish only for at least six months preferably with the most common fish.

• Question

What size tank should one start with?

• Answer

A fish tank only system should be at least 120 L while a reef tank should be at least 250L, for the simple reason that there is more stability in a bigger tank.

• Question

What is the best position for an aquarium?

• Answer

Ideally not in a position where there is too much sunlight, due to water temperature increasing and algae growth, also not near a Hi-Fi system or the television because of the noise.

• Question

How long does it take to mature an aquarium?

• Answer

Expect a normal filter aquarium to mature in about 28 days.

• Question

How often should one water change?

• Answer

A fish only system one should water change at least 25% once a month. Where as a reef system one can water change as little as 5% once a month. This also depends on the stocking levels of the system.

• Question

Is a protein skimmer necessary?

• Answer

Yes in every aquarium, choose the most efficient one you can afford and slightly over skimmer than under skim as you probably will end up with a bigger aquarium at some time!

• Question

Are there any stocking rules for invertebrates?

• Answer

As a rule no, provided the corals do not touch each other. You can fit as many corals as the tank will hold. After all that is the idea of a coral reef. One thing to remember is that there is compatibility problems, so don’t forget to ask your local pet store for advice.

Author: Sean Harrison