* James wrote, On 9/18/2006 7:33 PM:
So i have my water and my salt. I start adding but the little needle doesnt
move. Add some more still nothing. Whole lot more nada. Guy at the
Aquarium Center told me he would look at it the meter tomorrow.

Thank goodness there is nothing alive in the tank. Any other newb mistakes
I can avoid??

I did get a maxi-Jet 1200 which is running quite nicely. I have added my
"Dead" sand and some rocks though not any live ones yet. Once I get the
water worked out I will add the rock.

Any think I am rushing? I would love to put some fish in by friday.........


James.

How could there be a disaster if there's nothing in the tank yet?

Take your hydrometer to the aquarium store and have them test it and tell you
where it reads so you know if it's correct. If you look back at hydrometer
threads in here, you'll find that the cheapo ones they sell you are not always
accurate. I have one that reads low, so I kept my salinity too high for quite
awhile.

Then do yourself a favor. First get your salinity right, then put in your rock
and a pound or two of live sand from the shop tank, if they have it, then let
the tank cycle. THEN add some crabs, snails, etc., and let the tank cycle.
Don't add any fish until it's done!! Then add one or two at a time. Unless of
course you enjoy stressing out watching expensive fish stress out and get sick
and maybe die.

And have your protein skimmer running and optimum lighting on. Don't wait until
you "need" it to get it.