live sand and live rock order

Timm · 02/13/2008, 08:07 AM

1st timer here, when setting up tank for the first time, what should be added first, rock or sand. I plan on using fully cured rock. I have kept freshwater for 30years. so I am familiar with cycling.

snulma1 · 02/13/2008, 08:14 AM

If you are setting up a new tank, best to saltwater first, get it to the right salinity, and then slowly add the sand. You may end up with a big dust storm in your tank if you didn't rinse the sand, but once you add the rock in and let it sit for a day or 2, soon the bacteria from the live rock will coat the sand particles and it will all settle out.

jonbry123 · 02/13/2008, 11:51 AM

I would wash the sand first with tap water to remove as much of the dust as possible then place the sand in the tank and add a bit of Seachem Prime, its a water conditioner that breaks down chlorine instantly, its also great to have if you need to add water or do an emergency water change. Allow the water in the tank to reach the proper temp and then begin to add your live rock making sure it is not exposed to air. The Prime will also help to break down nitrites, nitrates and any ammonia as well helping it to cycle more quickly.

Scott

kzickovich · 02/13/2008, 12:09 PM

When I did mine I used all live sand and I put in the sand then some water about 2/3 then added the rock then topped off the tank.

02/13/2008, 08:07 AM	#1
Timm Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: De Pere WI Posts: 25	live sand and live rock order 1st timer here, when setting up tank for the first time, what should be added first, rock or sand. I plan on using fully cured rock. I have kept freshwater for 30years. so I am familiar with cycling.

02/13/2008, 11:51 AM	#3
jonbry123 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: allentown, pa Posts: 581	I would wash the sand first with tap water to remove as much of the dust as possible then place the sand in the tank and add a bit of Seachem Prime, its a water conditioner that breaks down chlorine instantly, its also great to have if you need to add water or do an emergency water change. Allow the water in the tank to reach the proper temp and then begin to add your live rock making sure it is not exposed to air. The Prime will also help to break down nitrites, nitrates and any ammonia as well helping it to cycle more quickly. Scott __________________ Bryan "You can swim all day in the Sea of Knowledge and still come out completely dry."-Norman Juster Current Tank Info: 300gl FOWLR/155glRT

02/13/2008, 12:09 PM	#4
kzickovich Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Zion Il Posts: 959	When I did mine I used all live sand and I put in the sand then some water about 2/3 then added the rock then topped off the tank. __________________ Ken Current Tank Info: 90 Gal mixed reef 55 Gallon basement pump up Sump 25 Gal fuge 2 Mp40 DIY led light fixture Bubble King Mini 200 Gen2 skimmer BRS Duel reactor

02/13/2008, 08:14 AM	#2
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	If you are setting up a new tank, best to saltwater first, get it to the right salinity, and then slowly add the sand. You may end up with a big dust storm in your tank if you didn't rinse the sand, but once you add the rock in and let it sit for a day or 2, soon the bacteria from the live rock will coat the sand particles and it will all settle out.