A few questions from the new guy

So I'm still setting up my aquarium but wanted to know a few things before I take the plunge into the sea so to speak.

I'm going to be raising polyps corals so how often should I be changing the water and what percentage of water should I remove when changing out the water,I'm going to be working with a 48 gallon tank.

Also how often do I need to add the salt mix and all that other good stuff

 

Welcome to 3reef! Needless to say, its kind of hard to find other hobbies that are so much rewarding!
I do a water change weekly 10%. Part of the regular routine.

I really dont understand, are you talking about dosing Calcium, Magnesium, Alkalinity and stuff?

 

everyone has their own opinion on water changes. Some never do them, others every two to three weeks and some do every week. I do mine every couple weeks. However if I was having water quality issues, then I would do every week. So it can be an opinion vs. a fact answer and is also based on circumstances.

and for your second question, if you are referring to the Salt mix, you do that when you do a water change only. You dont want to add salt to your top off water otherwise your salinity will skyrocket. hope this helps.

 

Thank you everyone for commenting,yes that helped out alot it gives me an overview idea of what I will do.

I have more questions

What should a basic coral setup consist of mechanically

So far I figured coral lighting,air filter pump,skimmer and a water pump to ad more oxygen to the tank....am I on the right path so far or am I missing something.

Also what is a sump tank vs the one I mentioned above,how does it differ

 

A couple powerheads, timer for lighting, and refugium are pretty standard. Be sure with the lighting you are providing the proper amount, not too much or too little. For soft corals I follow the 3-5 watts per gallon rule, although it only gives a rough estimate. The only way to accurately measure The light would be with a par meter. I have a nano tank and do not use a sump so will leave that for someone else to answer.

 

with corals u need a skimmer. i have a 55g tank and use a seaclone rate for 100g and thats all u need. they are about $100. my tank evporates fast since its open with fan so i just top off and my salt lvl is always good. u will need to get some water testers to figure out what u need to add. get a liquid master kit and afew more that dont come w/ it . cant think of them off the top of my head. hope this helps.

 

Welcome to the hobby! I like to change 10% weekly. I am one of the rare folks I think that actually enjoy changing the water in their tank! Some do 20% every 2 weeks, I don't think it matters really.

For a 48 gallon tank, I would change 5 gallons every week. Just get a bucket, put 5g of RO/DI inside, put the salt (amount per instructions on your salt bucket), toss in a maxi jet 600 to stir it up over night. Then the next day do the water change, easy peasy! (adding a small heater to the bucket overnight, to get the temperature up there would be a good idea too, though not vital!)