need help setting up a brackish tank for figure8 puffers

[peabuddy]

hi i have been reading up about tank set up etc but am still confused about substrate is there a special type of sand for brackish or can i just use pool filter sand or normal aquarium sand, really want to do the best by the puffers
and also how do you know how much salt to add to tank do you just mix some in bucket and add untill desired amount sorry really clueless when it comes to this sort of stuff
my tank will be 4ft 220l (arriving tonight ) cant wait and will be going out to buy sand asap then waiting on heater and filter that is all ready running in a fresh water aquarium as i thought this will quicken cycling as its been used for long time in there but have read salt will kill the bacteria so will it be just like starting from scratch when i cycle
also how much would you say salt cost a month roughly for this size aquarium
thanks in advance

[Pufferpunk]

library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19348

[Pufferpunk]

library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19348

[I.Puff.Too]

The low-end brackish that the F8's require will not kill off FW bacteria, it's actually the same bacteria. High-end brackish and SW home a different bacteria. So go ahead and put those filters in the already established FW tank. You can use pool filter sand or even play sand if you want, but aragonite would be your best option for F8's, it buffers the water. If you do choose to use aragonite as your substrate then you'll want your SG to be at 1.003, if you choose to use regular sand, then you will want your SG to be at 1.005. Buy a hydrometer, this will tell you the salinity of your water. I'm pretty sure there's a table around here somewhere that will help you with acquiring the correct salinity; hopefully somebody will come along with the link.

HTH

[peabuddy]

Thank you that's brilliant received tank Saturday but so disappointed
It's really scratched when was told there wasn't a scratch on it
So now hoping they don't show to much or might have to buff them
Out some how not the start I wanted but hopefully I can sort it out
If not looks like a I will have to get another tank saved for this one
Learned my lesson don't be so trusting and check
But thanks for your help will buy all the bits I need and will get set up
As soon as possible excited and look forward to looking at everyone else's
Posts and tanks thanks again x

[peabuddy]

library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19348

Thank you this is brilliant information ! Will deff follow your advice

[peabuddy]

The tanks also got loads of lime scale can I use lime scale remover if I Thoroughly
Rinse it or is there a better way to clean it thanks in advance

[I.Puff.Too]

Plain ol' white vinegar should remove the limescale just fine. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the tank and then let it air dry for a few days.

HTH

[peabuddy]

Thanks will do that really appretaite the quick reply and will make sure rinse well
And let dry r

[JRC3]

And once the tank is set up and full of water the scratches will be much less noticable.

[peabuddy]

That good to know love Your profile pic jrc3 really can't wait to get mine
Just need to be patient and do things right

[sgtmyers88]

[peabuddy]

Thanks
New tank now has leak in corner and that's how I think stand got so much water damaged
Getting so disappointed am going to find out her address and get money back as she ignoring
My messages
I have seen another tank but its only 33" x 17" x 24"
155l will this be ok for one figure 8 puffer as I can't afford
A bigger one after buying the 4ft and now can't use unless I do get her address and get money
Back it has a built in filter the tank is a AR 850 155l thanks x

[Pufferpunk]

Sorry to hear that. Now you know to ALWAYS ask to see a used tank filled, before buying .

[peabuddy]

Yep have learnt my lesson
Do you think the AR 850 will be big enough for one figure 8 puff
33" x17" x24" thanks x