Setting up tank and cycling 75g tank 30g Refug

[vinnytan]

Hi everyone:

I've finally finished plumbing my tank and ready to take the next step towards a reef tank. I was supposed to start this two years ago but financial situation got in the way. A story for another day.

After plumping i filled 80% my entire tank (nothing in the refug) with RODI water. I've also added sand to the tank as well ( about 1-1.5").

the few questions i have:

1)When should i turn on my powerheads?
2) Do i need to add more sand?
3)Should i add salt water and then Dry rock and buy live rock to cure? or do i need to take the water out and add rock and then salt mixed RO DI water?

Thanks in advance.

[Cymonous]

With the sand in there, you are better off draining the tank and adding already mixed saltwater. Adding salt to the RODI water in the tank will just create a very bad sand storm. Once you get saltwater in, you can start using the powerheads right away.

You can have as much sand as you want. You don't have to add more.

You can go with all dry rock and/or add some live rock. The live rock would help seed the tank, but you can cycle with all dry rock.

[vinnytan]

Originally Posted by Cymonous

With the sand in there, you are better off draining the tank and adding already mixed saltwater. Adding salt to the RODI water in the tank will just create a very bad sand storm. Once you get saltwater in, you can start using the powerheads right away.

You can have as much sand as you want. You don't have to add more.

You can go with all dry rock and/or add some live rock. The live rock would help seed the tank, but you can cycle with all dry rock.

Thanks for the reply. Would it be a bad idea to take 50% of the water out of the main tank and mix that water with salt and then add it back into the tank?

[Cymonous]

I don't see why not to use that water from the tank as long as it is clear. You don't want sand mixing through your pumps.

[vinnytan]

Originally Posted by Cymonous

I don't see why not to use that water from the tank as long as it is clear. You don't want sand mixing through your pumps.

I thought it would better to take the water out because you said if i add salt to the tank that has water and salt it will create a bad sand storm.


BTW...i'm in no rush to get anything started if that helps...