GSP Tank Setup help

[rporter86]

I need some information on setting up a tank for a GSP. I intend on keeping it in a brackish tank but I am purchasing the fish from a Wal-Mart where I know they don't keep it in brackish water so I was wondering if someone could tell me where I could get a tank setup specifically for a GSP going from fresh gradually to brackish water. Thanks!

[Boxermom]

The GSP article in our library should answer most of your questions. Just set it up as freshwater and follow the instructions in the article for when and how much to raise the salinity.

[rporter86]

Ah, thank you. Clearly I need to browse the site a bit more.

[rporter86]

Ok that cleared some things up, but also created some more questions. I'm going to be heading back to school (about a half hour to 45 minutes away) on the 2 of September. Would you recommend waiting until I'm completely moved in to start the 10 day cycling process, or would it be better to start cycling now and get it over with during the down time before I actually get the GSP, keeping in mind the 30-45 minute drive.

[Boxermom]

I would wait until you are completely set up. However, there is no 10 day cycling process that I know of. Fishless cycling, which we recommend, usually takes 3-4 weeks. If you are in the US, you can get Biospira which instant cycles. Don't waste money on any other product, nothing else works. Only Biospira.

[rporter86]

So this BioSpira stuff works well then?

[Boxermom]

Yup, works very well. The store you get it at should be keeping it refrigerated. Make sure you get the freshwater variety, as there is a different one with different bacteria for saltwater. If your LFS doesn't have it, you can order it online at drsfostersmith.com

[rporter86]

Ah! Much appreciated! You have been very kind!

[rporter86]

Will I need to switch to the Saltwater kind once the gradual change to brackish water begins or no?

[Boxermom]

Nope, once its established, as long as you don't raise the salinity more than .002 per week, you won't need to do anything else as far as cycling goes. Raising it faster than that will kill the bacteria though, and crash the bio filter. Which is why we recommend using a good hydrometer, or better yet, a refractometer.

[rporter86]

Noted. I have the day off tomorrow and it's also my pay day as well, I plan on taking a trip to a few pet stores and checking out my options as well as seeing if they carry BioSpira. If my anxiousness gets the best of me, I could be coming home with an arm full of aquarium necessities and no paycheck.

[Boxermom]

Trust me, many of us have spent sometimes more than we could realistically afford on our fishy stuff.