New Tank Progression...

[Rue]

I'm sure it's been posted repeatedly...but I can't find references...nor can I find a sticky...please tell me where I'm wrong...

When starting the AVERAGE new tank:

1. Fill with R/O or distilled water
2. Heat to 78 F
3. Add 0.5 cup salt per gallon...stir salt so it's dissolved completely
4. Add substrate. Aragonite recommended. Average depth 2".
5. Add liverock. 1.0-1.5 lbs per gallon depending on type and quality. Larger tanks may also want to add base rock.
6. Wait for signs of life.
- coraline algae
- diatoms
- small inverts
- macroalgae
- microalgae
7. Once tank has fully cycled - 4-6 weeks.
- Ammonia 0 ppm
- Nitrites 0 ppm
- Nitrates 0-10 ppm
8. Add cleaning crew of invertebrates
9. Can add appropriate fish - never add too many at once
10. Can add appropriate corals
11. Weekly 10% waterchanges
- Mix water the night before.
- Heat
- Aerate

[papagimp]

Are you having a problem or just double checking to make sure you're on the right track?

Your list seems good to me. Definatly seem to have done your research. I would add a step 12: Perform routine maintenance as needed, i.e. cleaning prefilters, sponges, filter media, impellars, ect. ect.

[kau_cinta_ku]

sounds good but when doing the salt don't just use the .5 cups per gal. rule. use a refractometer when testing it. i like to stay around 1.025 -1.026 for a reef tank. also don't forget the protien skimmer and powerheads

also there are some good stickeys at the top it says newbies look here.

[Rue]

Thanks guys! Excellent suggestions...

[Rue]

...oh...and I was just making a list for anyone searching for one...I found TONS of advice...but a list is nice to have...not so overwhelming...

[Rue]

Here's Take II (with your advice added in!):

When starting the AVERAGE new tank:

1. Fill with R/O or distilled water
2. Heat to 78 F
3. Add 0.5 cup salt per gallon...stir salt so it's dissolved completely.
-SG for fish only = 1.022
-SG for reef tanks = 1.025
-Adjust salt quantity accordingly.
3.5 Use a hydrometre or refractometre to monitor SG daily
4. Add substrate. Aragonite recommended. Average depth 2".
5. Add liverock. 1.0-1.5 lbs per gallon depending on type and quality. Larger tanks may also want to add base rock.
6. Wait for signs of life.
- coralline algae
- diatoms
- small inverts
- macroalgae
- microalgae
7. Once tank has fully cycled - 4-6 weeks.
- Ammonia 0 ppm
- Nitrites 0 ppm
- Nitrates 0-10 ppm
8. Add cleaning crew of invertebrates
9. Can add appropriate fish - never add too many at once. One at a time best.
10. Can add appropriate corals
11. Weekly 10% waterchanges
- Mix water 24-48 hours before use.
- Heat
- Aerate
12. Perform routine maintenance as needed, i.e.:
- glass, inside and out
- manage saltcreep
- empty skimmer
- prefilters
- sponges
- filter media
- impellers
13. Relax and enjoy!

[LaurentSeattle]

Two little remarks:

- Some say that adding corals such as zoanthids or ricordiae before fishes is preferable. That is my plan. Could someone with experience confirm?

- You never feed your livestock...

[WinnipegDragon]

Hmm... Here is a question I was going to ask anyhow. I thought most people added the substrate then the water, but does this mean you have to pre-mix your SW, or can you add the salt to, say, your sump and have it mix in the tank with the substrate already in?

[earthboy17]

Winnipeg Dragon!

I read your biocube thread and loved it. What are you working on now?

[jimicasper]