Saltwater Water Change part 2

[rats4611]

my question is do you believe in those ground probes which are placed in the aquarium to remove stray voltage.??

[LimpitsReef]

@rats4611

I use them in conjunction with a GFI outlet on every tank I have.

[RatHog13]

Huge help. Thanks so much.

[sundance2005]

What is your cleanup crew in your 90g?

[untold44]

Not gonna lie, this guy a is cool, and saltwater tanks are awesome, but soooo much work. Thats why i love to aquascape.

[xldyelx]

This guy is cool as hell.

[Sperryx91]

What kind of pump are you using to help pump water from the can back to into your tank?

[LimpitsReef]

@Sperryx91

It is a Quiet One 3000 brand submersible pump.

[064nuno]

How long can the mixed salt water stay in the brute container. I was thinking of making a full batch and then use it when I need it per week. This way I’m not mixing water all the time but maybe every month or so?

[706israel]

please seems you know what you doing I love your tank my fish die a week ago i check my salinity and it was 1.026 so does you know what can i do and why my fish die I also have soft coral they seem there ok my tank evaporate water a lot so dont know if i should add water with salt or water from my filtrated tap water. help me please. thank you.

[seamonster461]

do i have to have a ro di filter

[atvmaster281]

Does your tank have an overflow?

[LimpitsReef]

@atvmaster281

Yes, all of my tanks have overflows.

[atvmaster281]

@LimpitsReef Did you drill it yourself?

[electronkid710]

is it truly necessary to change the water 10 to 20% every week because im setting up a 125 gallon tank and i have a wet dry trickle filter and a protein skimmer and i am planning on changing 10 gallons every 2 weeks but im gonna try to make it natural as time goes on and get rid of the wet dry filter and protien skimmer because ive seen videos on youtube of natural reef aquariums some that havent had a water change in over 2 years and its still crystal clear just using chaeto algae in a sump.

[karsseboomh22]

@electronkid710 your wrong man loose the bio bals there not for reef tanks they cause major nitrates. Bio balls are like tech from the 80s lol And keep the skimmer its great to have keeps the tank waaay cleaner with fish. You sound like a noob man those guys that dont use skimmers have the most advanced system ou,t that use other way to rid the nitrates. I bet you anything trying to keep sps without a skimmer and YOU WILL FAIL..ask any expert with 30yrs plus experience

[maxx56dog]

what kind of sump do you use can you send me a link please respond!!!!

[LimpitsReef]

@maxx56dog

I build my own sumps and have a video on how to here on Youtube.

[HopesCharm]

Why are you scraping the outside of the tank?

I thought algae was supposed to be inside? o.O

[deeshizzlee]

@HopesCharm your a dork. It's one of those magnetic things. There is another piece INSIDE the tank...and its a magnet...so when he does that on the outside there is a magnet piece on the inside of the tank scrapping the inside.

[kissmarkhing]

RO/DI means???

[LimpitsReef]

@kissmarkhing

Reverse osmosis de-ionizing, it is the water filter system shown in part 1 of the video that I talk about.

[kissmarkhing]

hi.. can i ask, how often do i need to use the test kit in my reef tank??? also, when changing the water for my reef tank can i use tap water instead of concentrated salt mix water???

[LimpitsReef]

@kissmarkhing

You should be using RO/DI water for making up your saltwater.

[karsseboomh22]

@kissmarkhing buy your self a book

[vanhalenman60]

how do you find the max line and minimum line

[LimpitsReef]

@vanhalenman60

Of what??

[vanhalenman60]

@LimpitsReef sorry i meant the sump

[LimpitsReef]

@vanhalenman60

It is something that you have to figure out for your specific application. Skimmers require different water levels depending on the brand so the skimmer chamber is really the only one that is going to need a specific water level.

[honeypop92]

what do you do with the rest of the salt water mix. do you keep useing it over the weeks until you need to refill.

[LimpitsReef]

@honeypop92

All of the water gets used up between all of my tanks so there is none left over.

[dm002a8686]

When you doing more updates , looking forward to them .

[rackman1980]

if you did not use all of the water right away how long would it be good stored in the can?

also great video series, very informative!!

[LimpitsReef]

@rackman1980,

I can leave it in there for a day or two but that never happens as I use it all up right away.

[austewartau]

What kind of skimmer do you have

[LimpitsReef]

@austewartau

I use i-tech, SWC, and Aqua Euro USA skimmers on my tanks.

[tvshowuploader3]

HI I just bought RO water from my store for 2 bocks and it will help clear up the water? what kind of carbon u are using in your reef tank for hard corals? I got a carbon that will help clear up the tank water right away I use it for about a few days and it make my tank crystal clear a little?

[xboxdisc]

Haha, how did you carry that huge garbage can full of new tank water up to where your display tank was?

Also, it looked like you didn't use all the new water from the garbage can. Those two buckets that you siphoned water out barely makes up the volume in that garbage can. Did you save the new water for later?

[LimpitsReef]

xboxdisc,

HA HA, there are wheels on the bottom of the cans for moving them.

The rest of the water was used for my other tanks and trust me it ALL gets used up.

[atvmaster281]

Thanks for making these videos! one question, have you ever used a handheld TDS meter? how good do they work?

[LimpitsReef]

atvmaster281,

I have had one in the past and it worked very well. I now have in line TDS meters installed on my RO filter as you can see in the video but the handheld ones work fine.

Happy Reefing

[liv4daoutdoors]

is regular water out of the faucet with salt ok to use on a fish only tank?

[LimpitsReef]

liv4daoutdoors,

Depends on your water supply, problem with most tap water is that it will promote algae growth. I still recommend using RODI water on any saltwater tank.

[xDIRTYSOUTHx]

So...how many times have you knocked off the stick holding the door? i imagine its a pretty loud bang! :)

[mymod123]

what can i do for clowdy water, and what can i ues to get rid of algae

[oscar2hot4u]

what lighting do you have do you have a video about them

[LimpitsReef]

Watch the 90 gallon tank tour video.

[reptilerob57]

what is RO water?

[LimpitsReef]

RO= Reverse Osmosis, it is a filtering system that produces pure water.

[tvshowuploader3]

Hey thanks I going to add a calcium reactor in my sump soon thanks for your help Does the xenia coral will u know pulse in the tank if I use a calcium reactor to make it grow?

[LimpitsReef]

Calcium reactors are used more on LPS and SPS coral tanks, not softy tanks.

[tvshowuploader3]

Do u always use a return for all of your reef tanks? does the sump helps corals to grow larger size of a baseball? I am planning to get a sump soon because I got a calcium reactor already? does the calcium reactor helps to stop algae growth from the tank and does it helps corals to grow? do u always use a calcium reactor to stop algae growth?

[LimpitsReef]

A calcium reactor does nothing to stop algae growth. I do not know who told you that but it is incorrect. A calcium reactor adds calcium to a tank for the corals to use to grow.

[okcrocker]

10% to 20% water change weekly? thats a little much, biweekly maybe. Why is it not a good idea to stir up the sand? I've been doing it every week for a year now in my tank and the water and sand in crystal clear.

[medasst100]

what are you scraping the glass with to get rid of algae?

[buddhasknowbest]

@medasst100 That is a magnetic algae cleaner. It has two parts, one is inside the tank and one is outside. When put close, they connect. It's great because you don't have to put your arm inside the aquarium.

[Ryo543]

Is it a good idea to disturb your sand bed..?

[LimpitsReef]

no it is not

[snakedude6]

what type of magnet do u use

[LimpitsReef]

FOR WHAT?

[snakedude6]

hey man your vids rule 1 ? what kind of magnet do u use? looking forward to new vids.

[VitalApparatuz]

Thanks so much Ive learned tons from you.

One question,does the low water level in the DT during the water change adversely affect the corals?

[LimpitsReef]

No it does not because it is a short period of time.

Check out my other video titled "fiji corals low tide" to see that even in nature corals are out of the water every day.

[TheGregWoodBand]

I need your advice. I am thinking of adapting your design for a future system in a narrow closet-in wall set up. I'm wondering if it is possible to leave the mix can in the basement and use the mag pump to pump the water upstairs thru the floor. You could control the mag pump in the basement from upstairs by running the power cord upstairs near the tank to a GFI eqpt outlet. Now the question is, will it handle pumping it up that high? It's a 300 Gal tank.

[LimpitsReef]

You need to first figure out how much head pressure you will have before selecting a pump to use. There are several factors that will come into play such as tubing diameter, bends in tubing and how high from the pump to where it needs to go. Do a search for "head pressure calculator".

[TheGregWoodBand]

Thank you Sir!

[plebitaal100]

how often I have to change the water? I own a 180 g tank. thanks : )

[LimpitsReef]

You should be changing 10% weekly on a normally stocked tank. 20% weekly if more heavily stocked.

[99chevylr]

u are the man, i have a 84 gal tank with 2 protine skimmers, and 2 reg canester filters, my heater, i have that thing u used 2 test the salinity, and another thing called a digi lab, it tells u the correct salt and temp, also a vacc, wat else do i need? thanks u rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! u ma saltwater hero lol

[gotmoney0107]

i was wondering if u can make a vid on acclimating a fish (Saltwater fish)

[LimpitsReef]

I would if I had a working camcorder.

[BowHunt1229]

i do that to my glass and it scares the piss out of my fish

[whitelandssss]

hi could you please help me iv just got myself a aqua medic percula 120 and i would like to get the tool you use to remove the 10% out and then put the new water back in please help me.

[LimpitsReef]

It is a simple piece of tubing to remove the water and a submersible pump with a hose on one end for filling the tank. Nothing special about either of them.

[crabsyman]

You have a talent for these vids. You should persue them.

[crabsyman]

I did the same.

[crabsyman]

Where do find it best to place your ballasts? No one ever seems to discuss that.

[LimpitsReef]

I mount them on the inside wall of my stand.

[adonkeyoncrack]

i need a shock thingy i know what its like my heater filled up with water and i didnt see i put my hand in the tank and caught a huge shock :(

[LimpitsReef]

Definitely get a GFI unit on your tank, it could save your life.

[adonkeyoncrack]

thanks man i will it was the 3rd time that week i got belted with 240volts water + electricity doesnt work well!!!

[patc212002]

How do you make your water in your tank so clear?

[LimpitsReef]

With a good protein skimmer

[patc212002]

I have an octops skimmer its more like trash and pieces of stuff. I need a a filter somewhere to catch the stuff i Guess. Or could I Temp run a HOB filter?

[LimpitsReef]

If you are running a sump you can use a filter sock on the incoming water pipe.

[observer855]

GREAT video, and awesome set-up.

I didn't hear you mention anything about heating the temperature of the replacement water to match your display tank temp. Did I miss it?

[LimpitsReef]

Water is heated before being added.

[mattsarg]

Micro fibre cloth's are excellent for buffing the glass up.

[crabsyman]

Clean up crews poop too you know.

[mitchell527100]

how expensive do you think it would be to setup a 30 gal reef tank?

[LimpitsReef]

Call your LFS and find out.

[crabsyman]

Hi , Great vid. Is your tank in basement as well? If not how do you get the 55g up to your tank? Thanks

[LimpitsReef]

All tanks in basement

[Zachhay11]

whats sps?

[LimpitsReef]

small polyp stony, the corals that are in the tank.

[STEELDIRTLORD15]

what cleans your gravel

[LimpitsReef]

Snails

[TeamReefWrecked]

why is it important to change the water? dosent the filter do that for you, or does it not get it all out of the water.

[LimpitsReef]

Because filters only remove only just so much out of the water. Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates and other compounds need to be removed by doing water changes. Also, life forms in your aquarium require and use up elements from the saltwater and the best way to replenish them is with water changes.

[HigherPlanes]

The solution to pollution is dilution.

[oldspice100]

are drinking water RO systems that you can get at Home depot the same as the fish store RO systems

[LimpitsReef]

Basically yes, aquarium models are a little different as they sometimes include DI resin and maybe more filters than drinking water models.

[tucker123454]

Why do u need to turn off your return pump when siphoning/doing water change?

[LimpitsReef]

So that the return pump in the sump does not run dry.

I state this in the video.

[tucker123454]

sry didn't notice

[LimpitsReef]

np :)

Happy Reefing!

[MrBenoit113]

i know this is asking for to much but can you make a video on how to set up a top off system

[LimpitsReef]

I would if I had a working camcorder.

[MrBenoit113]

im installing a top off system in my sump so do i keep salt water in the bucket reservoir or do i just have regular water/ RO water???

[LimpitsReef]

Very good question and an very important one also. ALWAYS, ALWAYS replace evaporated water with fresh RO water.

NEVER top off a tank with saltwater unless you are trying to raise the salinity and then do that very slowly.

[MrBenoit113]

i know that u know what your talking about so let me ask you... im starting a aquarium with fish live rock and live sand... and im getting real ocean water direct from the ocean and they say its Phosphate free. Nitrate free. pH balanced at 8.3... so if it is that can i add the fishes right away after the temp. of the water is where i want it to be????

[LimpitsReef]

You should still let the tank cycle with the live rock before adding any fish. Then after it cycles add the fish here and there slowly over a period of time to allow the good bacteria time to build up in the system.

[lsvtec300]

Some people tell me to change my water every month some tell me every 2 weeks im so confused

[LimpitsReef]

It all depends on a few things such as your bioload, what is in your tank and what kind of filtration you have. It is better to do more water changes than less.

[ollieflp]

How do you deal with the salt thats already in the water apparently it dosen't evaporate?

[LimpitsReef]

No it does not evaporate, only the freshwater does.

[ollieflp]

Thats the confusing bit because when you water change you just adding more so the salinity will be unaccurate in the tank i think?

[LimpitsReef]

You need to be adding freshwater to replace the evaporated water on a daily basis. If you do not you will have issues with your tank.

You keep the salinity stable and do a water change with the same salinity water as the tank has.

You are correct in thinking that if you add saltwater to replace your evap'd water your salinity will go up.

[readynow12345]

I'm curious what is the value of of all your fish

[LimpitsReef]

Too much!

[S4LTxW4T3RxN00B]

i just did my first one yesterday.....

[cbravo212]

Do you keep a heater of some kind in your storage tanks? Heading over to ebay right now to contribute. Got to keep those vid coming. Sorry about our camcorder.

[LimpitsReef]

Only for when I am mixing up a new batch of saltwater, otherwise it is shut off.

[tariqwahl]

I have never kept salt water tanks, just freshwater tanks but your advice, setup and obvious dedication is just awesome! I admire you! Keep up the great posts! Definitely 5 stars.

[gmoney1961]

I have a 55 gallon (non sump ready) reef tank with an Octopus 800 skimmer, hang-on refugium and about 80lbs of live rock. My tank is doing great but I was wondering should I switch to a sump with the hang-on overflo unit?

[LimpitsReef]

Why mess with something that is doing great?

If you want to upgrade I would go with a larger reef ready tank instead of spending the cash on equipment for a 55.

[gmoney1961]

Thanks........I'll do that when I upgrade to a 90 gallon sometime this summer.....as always....you give very good advice....

[badboys525]

YOu are Great. I like the Salt water fish, but it is alot of work. So I won't bother. But I don't think you went overboard. Saltwater fish are expensive, so of course you have to take all precations. You do a good job and I bet your fishies love you.

[llcooled420]

i have a 10 gallon saltwater tank that i am currently cycleing with 10 pounds of live sand and about 10 pounds of live rock is there any advice or fish i can put in there i already know about clown fish any adivce or fish would help me alot thanks and very nice setup!

[LimpitsReef]

Yes, watch my "free advice" video.

[lilmanz54]

how did you start your suction??

[youmantube22]

he either sucked or blew into the hose. (not suire which one)just like an old gas siphon.

[lilmanz54]

thank you

[beastyfourpointsix]

Awesome!!...you are going to save me a lot of time as I also use R/O and at present I fill a 32 gal trash can and then to 5 gal buckets, then take those 5 gal buckets to the tub to warm to temp, and finally fill tank. Pain in the you know what! Anyhow, I am going to purchase a Mag Drive 5....do they come with barbs? Also, do you have a heater in that trash can? Going out right know to purchase that trash can dolly. Great vid man! Thanks!!!

[LimpitsReef]

You can buy the hose barbs to fit the pump at a hardware store as the output on the pump is a standard pipe thread.

I do run a heater in the container but only when mixing up a new batch of saltwater.

[Fishkeeper217]

i heard that you said you dont do any gravel cleaning in your tank. is your cleaning crew snails,crabs and shrimp?

[LimpitsReef]

That is correct, the only thing stirring up my sand are the critters that live in it.

[Fishkeeper217]

but what are those critters?

[LimpitsReef]

Nassarius Snails

Fighting Conch

Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber

are in my sandbed

[bluejay216]

Great video!!!!!!! I have tried for several years to set up a saltwater aquarium and I have decided to give it up. I think my problem was my filter. I love those fish...I will just watch your video or go back to Hawaii again.:~)

[hai12vang]

I got a 90 gallons reef tank too do you think doing a 5 gallons water change everyweek is good enough or should i being doing 10 gallons water change weekly.

[LimpitsReef]

I would do 10

[SpidermanMRVL]

Fantastic Videos! Thanks for the information.

[patc212002]

How many days can you leave your saltwater mixed

[LimpitsReef]

I use mine within 24 hours and it has a pump running in the container.

[pc10542]

Do you really scrape the glass every day? Is that really nessasary? What is your nitrate at? I though high nitrate causes unwanted alge growth. I am struggling with my 55 gallon to get nitrate to 0 ppm.

[LimpitsReef]

Yes I do whether it needs it or not. That way it always looks good. I do it as part of my daily routine.

[pc10542]

Do you keep your nitrate at 0 ppm?

[LimpitsReef]

I try to keep it as close to zero as possible.

[Ovulate]

Can you accidently syphon your fish?

[LimpitsReef]

I never have in all my years of doing this. Maybe if you are not paying attention to what you are doing you could.

[crazyboi2281]

nice video...not many people show how to clean tanks the right way here in youtube.  I use the same method refilling my tank.

[smiley4284]

What type of cleaners do you have in your tank? What takes care of the fish waste? Iam a beginner:)

[LimpitsReef]

I use a variety of snails and a few small scarlet reef hermits in my tanks.

[ollieflp]

Is there a specific way of adding corals to the aquarium also is it ok to just cure live rock in the aquarium before introducing fish?

[coooooollllle]

waterr in bucket not on floor got it

[LimpitsReef]

Unless you like cleaning up spills, then by all means water on the floor.

[AIVENDETTA32]

hey limpitreef did u ever get a camera I can send u 1 if u want its free

[LimpitsReef]

I am still working on getting a camcorder. I have opened an eBay store to raise funds for it. The address to the store is on my main channel page.

[jdjeff58]

The hobby needs more guys like you. Great stuff with the videos. Too often, us reefers beginners through advanced are left to decipher forum posts, pics, and articles that only seem to raise more questions. Nice presentations.

[LimpitsReef]

Try a different brand of salt mix. Since doing this video I have stopped using IO brand salt and have had much better luck.

You don't have to let your salt mix that long anyway, bacteria could be building up and causing that film.

[10secondstolate]

what salt if you don't mind telling are you using. i am using reef crystals and feel it is ok and sometimes use just plan IO but think it might be causing algae outbreaks ever heard of that?

[LimpitsReef]

I am now using Red Sea Coral Pro salt on all my tanks.

[lundbox]

Hey Just wondering if this happens to you aswell. Everytime I mix salt I leave the pump to mix the water for atleast 4-5 days, but I always have some white residue float on top of the water after everything else has mixed? Im using instant ocean and mixing in a small food grade garbage can with a 824gph pump, Any thoughts?

[Ojalee]

Great info Bro, appreciate it!

[badassraptor]

how do you get the trash bucket with water in it up from your basement to the tank?

[LimpitsReef]

I am very strong!

Actually all my tanks are on the basement level so all I do is wheel it over and fill using a pump.

[Loubard]

Thanks for the video, I enjoyed watching it (and part 1).

[mehday73]

hey quick question i have a 72g bow front and am intrested in gettin a sea apple have you ever kept one because im not sure how tempromentle it may be and haw hard to keep

[LimpitsReef]

Never had one so I can't really say how they are to keep. Maybe check out some invert books or check online.

[1Derfishtank]

All credit to you dude. I have nearly set up my 500l Tank bases on all your greta vids. Keep it up. I may need to ask questions in the next few months. Many Thanks.

[LimpitsReef]

Thanks for the props, keep up the good work and Happy Reefing!

[ko0ki3z]

i have power compacts lighting its half blue and white

[ko0ki3z]

alright i have polyps ricordea and frogspawn in my tank right now, i have 4 watts per gal, but dont know how long to keep on the lightings for.

[LimpitsReef]

Daylights for approx. 6 hours, actinics longer.

[ko0ki3z]

alright i have another question. i bought this ricordea the other day but i wont attach itself to anything. is it suppose to attach to the sand or rock or sumtin ir do i have to glue it down

[LimpitsReef]

It will attach by itself, you need to put in an area of lower flow or cover it with bridal vale to keep it in place. Glueing it sometimes works but now always.

[ko0ki3z]

i don't use ro water someone told me that using the filtered water you can get from publix for 25 cents would be fine, but do you think if i switch to ro my algae will go away

[LimpitsReef]

I do not trust the quality of those public water dispensers, some of them just do not change the filters on a regular basis. Unless you have a TDS meter to check the water you are buying you have no idea how good it is. With owning your own RO filter you know how much water is being filtered and you can replace the filters on a regular basis.

[ko0ki3z]

i have a 12 gallon tank and have 3 turbo snails 3 snad barrel snails and 8 blue legged hermits so far. i have a case of algae on my sand bed, so do you think i should add more hermits to eat it ???

[LimpitsReef]

If you are not overfeeding, using RO water and do not have old lights on your tank then maybe a few more would help.

[ko0ki3z]

what does your clean up crew consist of