Advice for a newbie...here is my setup so far

[RPatsula]

Thank you I will go to the home hardware in Beaumont and pick up one of those blue garbage cans. Can you recommend a dosing system? Is it possible through an automated system?
Thanks

[jtbadco]

+1 for testing.

Sounds like you have an awesome set-up but you really need to regularly test for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrates, phosphates, pH, and salinity (sg)

It is very important to keep the salinity stable...I would pick up a new refractometer if you are not getting consistent readings. Have you calibrated it lately?

+1 for only adding one fish every two weeks

You want to feed a variety of foods but do not over-feed your tank either.

[xnmuller]

Originally Posted by jtbadco

...It is very important to keep the salinity stable...

+1 for stability

I have had my system up for about 18 months. I don't yet have any dosers or controllers, but by far teh best hardware purchase I have made is an ATO system. Absolutely love it and keeps salinity perfeectly stable.

And props to Beaumont - I grew up there.

[mseepman]

Originally Posted by RPatsula

Thank you I will go to the home hardware in Beaumont and pick up one of those blue garbage cans. Can you recommend a dosing system? Is it possible through an automated system?
Thanks

Make sure that you pick up a "Brute" Garbage can, not a "blue" one. It should be grey. I also don't recommend the one on wheels as they've been known to collapse.

As for dosers, GHL makes excellent products but I bought a Marine Magic one on a group buy here and it looks pretty good too, especially for the dough. Search for it on Canreef and I'm sure you will find a good source for one at a reasonable price.

[cale262]

If you need a hand, I'm also in Beaumont...

[RPatsula]

Thank you everyone for your insight as well as your help. A special thanks goes out to cale262. He came over and took a look at my set up and then came back a couple days later with a carbon reactor and GFO unit. My water has completely cleared up.
I also removed all my brass fittings and replace them with plastic PVC fittings. I also removed the black garbage can that was acting as a reservoir for my water changes. I replaced it with a food grade 45 gallon barrel. For those who are interested, I picked it up at the UFA in Leduc for $25.
We are reconstructing the fish feeding apparatus this weekend. So I will take some pictures and post it when I am done.
Once again thank you to everyone who has helped me out.
Rick