It comes in handy (list)

[MattTVI]

I thought it would be interesting to create a thread containing (and this assumes there isn't one already in existince) a list of all the things you don't think about buying when you first start out on your saltwater adventure. Everyone is told to get the test kits and the magnets, the protien skimmer and LR, but what about the other stuff. The stuff you usually don't even get from the LFS (but can occasionally).

Anway, here's my list, add to it in subsequent posts, and I'll update it here.

1. Turkey Baster - available at you local walmart, target, publix, etc. and serves as a nice rock blower to get detrius up into the water column

2. Syringe - got mine from a vet (not used), i think you can get them at target too, i love using these for test kits and for dosing.

3. Buckets - most of the vets use salt buckets, but beginner's are full of salt, so a trip to the home depot can get you a couple 5 gal. buckets for cheap

4. Spatula - a nice plastic spatula works quite well for GLASS cleaning and has a nice long handle for depth (i wouldn't recommend it for acrylic as i haven't tried it on that surface), also available at walmart, target, etc.

5. GFCI Outlet (rhomer) - available at your local hardware store, these are pretty much a necessity for any outlet that could potentially come into contact w/ saltwater

6. Timers (rhomer) - also available at your local hardware store, intermatic makes some very nice timers but I would recommend their outdoor timer (available seasonally) that has two plugs and 7 day programming over these

7. Plumbing Parts (rhomer) - again, check your local hardware store. I recommend using spa flex for your return to reduce vibration (made a big difference in the amount of noise coming from my stand) and if you've never done any pvc work before, ask around on here for tips and advice.


anyway, that's my list, please add whatever comments you have and a few suggestions of your own.

[rhomer]

GFCI outlet
Power strips
extension cords
Timer for your lights

Assorted plumbing parts for your sump, closed loop, etc...

Rob

[Jeff_edge540]

*30gal trash cans for mixing/holding new salt mixes.
*Eggcrate

[superlu]

- For cleaning acrylic tank, a credit card or a used gift card works great

- I have also added a battery backup (UPS) for my sumps in case of power outage. You can that at any compnuter stores fairly inexpensive. No need to get the super heavy duty one...get something in the range of 500-650 VA Rating. that should give you about an hour of power in case of a brown or black out. They always go on sale....

[GeorgeW]

For analog timers, the outdoor ones are best for 2 reasons: they come with a length of plug cord so you don't take up 1 and a 1/2 outlets on a power strip and they have plastic covers.

As for buckets, I prefer the orange HD ones over salt buckets. Yes, you have to buy them, but especially if I'm using one to mix calc, they're easier to clean out to make sure you got any and all mix before using again.

[hesstondc]

extra bags from the fish store
razor blade
rubber bands
auto fish feeder

[Stanfill Reef]

bottle brush to clean protein skimmer
aqua gloves to protect fingers from aggressive clowns
plastic chair mat to protect carpet under tank
plastic measuring cup for thawing food

[kevinwholder]

Finally!! A truly GOOD use for a credit card.. ;-)
I have used this idea and it works GREAT!

Originally Posted by superlu

- For cleaning acrylic tank, a credit card or a used gift card works great

- I have also added a battery backup (UPS) for my sumps in case of power outage. You can that at any compnuter stores fairly inexpensive. No need to get the super heavy duty one...get something in the range of 500-650 VA Rating. that should give you about an hour of power in case of a brown or black out. They always go on sale....

[Lifestudent]

For handy items, here's my list:
* Magnetic scraper
* Tongs for feeding anemones or trigger fish
* Towels for drying your hands, mopping up spills
* Keeping a log to list new fish, new coral, disease, death , tank maintenance, equipment maintenenace
and light bulb changes, test results, etc. (free internet logs are available)
* Getting Scott Michael's Marine Fishes book ( a MUST have IMHO) and keeping it with you, especially when you visit an LFS to prevent impulsive purchases and making wise choices

Great topic MattTVI !

Bob

[goodfortune]

Baking Soda (Alkalinity Adj.)
Borax (pH Probe Calibration Check Soln.)
Ms. Wages/Balls Pickling Lime (Kalkwasser)
Epsom Salts (Mg Adj.)
Shot glasses & Zip Ties (frag attachment)
Bridal Veil Material Circles (frag attachment)
Superglue Gel and epoxy putty (frag attachment)
Scissor-type nail clippers (fragging tool)
Vinegar (Cleaning and Calcium Deposit remover)
Glass Mop (Skimmer Cleaning)

Also...

Laminate your test instruction sheets to protect against stains and spillage; you can get the stick-on laminating sheets at Wally World

Use zip loc bags with the "easy-zipper" feature; a little more $, but they won't leak, IME.

The green and white epoxy putty at HD (Aquamend) and the blue and white epoxy putty at Wally World (Loc-Tite) are safe to use, IME.

Wally World sells the bridal veil circles in the Arts and Crafts section; a pkg of 80-6" circles are $6-8 from what I remember

There's probably a lot more; HTH

- Michael

[MattTVI]

awesome folks! thanks for the imputs... now I need to find the time to update the list! :-)

hmmmm, i no longer have an edit option on the original post... I can't update!?!?

[Lifestudent]

Originally Posted by MattTVI

....hmmmm, i no longer have an edit option on the original post... I can't update!?!?

Were you logged in?

[MattTVI]

Yup, I can update the thread right above, but not the one from yesterday... perhaps there is a time limit?