Chelsey, UR, Saltwater Tanks and More Saltwater Tanks

Another late post I apologize sincerely,

While I cant find anything on my exact topic because it seems as if no one has done this project before, there is of course a million things on saltwater tanks and the proper way to keep them (salinity levels, how long you should leave a light on for fish, etc.) so I thought it best to put some of my findings on the subject of aquarium tank setup and upkeep on here.

  When starting a saltwater fish tank, the first thing you need is to have the proper water, because if not, your fish or other creatures will die. Purified or distilled water is your best bet at starting your tank out right, although now a days they make all sorts of filters and purifiers to make dirty water safe and clean. Next step is to pick the right salt for your tank and mix it properly (Instant Ocean is the typical choice). Now unless your tank creatures are from brackish waters or a place with higher salinity levels, 35ppt saltwater will be perfect for your tank. Let your tank sit for 12-24 hours before adding any live beings, and measure your salinity levels using a refractometer. Make sure temperature and salinity is adequate and your ready to go!
  Upkeep on saltwater tanks is very important and vital to your tank survival. Make sure to always have some extra salt for when you need to clean your tank and change your water. When changing the water, make sure to measure and record salinity and temperature of your tank, and always use clean water. Too much deviation from original water levels can cause your animals to die or go into shock. Also, when water is evaporated, replace with only fresh water not salt prepared water, because salt remains behind when water is evaporated from a tank.
  This finding about replacing with fresh water is very important to my experiment because now I know to only replace with fresh water, so I do not disrupt the balance of salt when conducting my experiment. Threw my research on the topic I also discovered the right levels of salt I need to start my experiment, 35ppt. I also found out how long to let the saltwater sit first before I start my experiment, 12-24 hours to get accustomed to the water.  I hope to find out more throughout the class and while conducting my research!

Great source on the topic
http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/reef-tank-101/salinity-mixing-saltwater/