Maintaining a brackish setup

[j_diaz01]

Thinking of starting a species-only pet puffer tank. Probably just one figure 8 puffer in a 20 gallon with some sand, plants and good filtration. I realize I'd have to get it cycled first, but after that would it be hard maintaining the salinity of the tank?

The components of keeping it brackish and checking would simply be salt, a hydrometer and a mixing bucket right? Anything else to take note of? Anyone with experience?

[IAoddball]

Brackish is easy to care for. A hydrometer is key to maintaining your salinity level. I got one for beer crafting and found it to be more accurate than petstore ones. I do keep a mixing bucket as well because it isn't s good idea to throw the salt straight in, you gotta let it disolve prior to adding it in. Plants may also be a bad idea, most can't handle the salty water, so go fake plants if that's what you want.

Hope all will be well on your brackish setup! Post pics of your set up

[j_diaz01]

Nice thanks for the info. I'll def post pictures if I pursue this project.

[emc7]

There are plants that naturally live in brackish water, but they aren't the ones sold in stores for FW tanks. Fake is probably easier than tracking down the right ones.

When you set up try to minimize evaporation. Losing water, but not salt, is the main thing swinging salinity. So glass lids, & maybe canister instead of a HOB that "waterfalls".

[j_diaz01]

Yes I was thinking fake too. Much easier especially since I'll most likely use a powerhead to emulate water movement from the rivers.


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