I believe you have RSM 34gallon. It is best to replace the stock skimmer witht the tunze 9002 (stock skimmer does not work).

I started not too long ago with a 29 gallon biocube.. it isn't as hard as you may think.. as long as you take your time...

I will be doing the same with a 90 gallon that i have (converting from fresh to salt..)

I'm probably going to get the sand in with some LR and just let it sit for a few months.. then once you get used to it.. you'll (I'll) add more and more...

There is no problem adding freshwater first, if you don't add any livestock you can add the salt directly to the tank when you are ready. A few notes on this however is I would start by adding RO/DI water right from the start, get a refractometer to measure salinity (JL's sells a vertex model for under $50) and buy a good quality salt. There is much debate on what salt is best but I have heard great things about DD salt and if you get a brand with all the right parameters you won't have to start dosing supplements.

While I have to agree that the tunze 9002 is a great skimmer I wouldn't consider it necessary to change out the stock skimmer if you do regular water changes. Many people run without a skimmer at all with proper husbandry and the stock skimmer works fairly well but yes, there are better skimmers.

Good luck with the RSM. Just go slow and you will be fine.

You realize that squirrel picture might cause nightmares for some people? I for one will never be able to get that image out of my brain pan.

take your time and do lots of research every step of the way :)

There are also lots of local reefers you can visit (if they're willing & they usually are) to see their setups first-hand. If you get to Burnaby, you're welcome to come by and we'll show you our fw & sw setups & I can try to answer any questions you may still have about setting up a sw tank. Most of the local reefers I know on here & on BCA are very happy to have others come over & talk about their addiction. I'm sure you can find someone in Richmond if you don't want to travel too far.

Just a thought.

Anthony

Yikes What to Do with all these cords!!
 

You guys are great! I cant wait to see some of your set ups! Mine however looks crazy right now,I have read my directions and cant figure out how to tuck in these cords? I added extra silicone to the inside chambers (didnt do a great job gee who would have thought it would be so hard to work with that goo.Any body have pic of their cord storage?

I have the 130D and the skimmer works great the i unbder stand the skimmer from the original 130 is not so great

well if you wanna see the setups just go to the tank journals :mrgreen:, and where are the pictures shame on you

OK I think My Salt Levels are Good!
 

So I tested my levels yesterday and they needed more salt which I mixed and added more last night.Asuming I am reading the refractometer right the readings on the left is what I want level with the blue line? if that is the case thn I am at 1.025! I still think I need more sand if I want to get a JawFish in the future.I will get more sand tomorrow and give it a good cleaning and the water should be clear before I add my Live Rock on Friday. I also have to buy a test Kit,any Suggstions?
:)