Salt water tank

[Goldfishlove]

My husband hasnt done a water change in a long time. I dont really know how to do salt water tanks. But I know he only puts so much salt in. How much salt should be in a 90 gallon tank??

[cstrohmeyer]

You should pre-mix your salt in a sterile container (a clean plastic trash can, that is only used for this works well). Circulate the water with an air pump and air stone. Mix your salt to a specific gravity of 1.019 to 1.021 for fish using a hydrometer. Also change your water once per week (best) or once per month (minimum). Use a gravel vacuum or better yet, an Aquarium Cleaning Machine.

Carl
Aquarium and Pond maintenance and design since 1978
Now on the web since 2004
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/

[khines5330]

If you are just topping off the tank due to evaporation, use freshwater as the salt doesnt evaporate. When conducting a water change us the advice above.
Is the tank a fish only tank or is there live sand and rock in the tank? If there is live sand and rock I dont ever vacuum the substrate as you may remove benificial critters.

[Eucalyptus]

Usually you should have a tub full of saltwater mixed and ready to be transferred with a syphening *do not know how to spell that -_-* hose to the tank. Your husband should also be keeping up with his water changes...water quality is crucial in marine keeping. How you check the salt content however, is by using a hydrometer*if you don't know how to use it...I'd suggest you call a reliable local marine fish store as to how to use it and the appropriate levels*. As for taking the water out of the tank, you should use a syphening hose and then be able to replace it with freshly mixed saltwater.