Setting up tank

drillsar · 02/28/2008, 07:56 PM

Im about to setup my tank, now I have Arag live sand do I add first some salt water then sand or is it ok to add sand then RO/DI water them mix salt? Im going to get my rock tommorow.

demonsp · 02/28/2008, 08:03 PM

First you want to fill tank and check for leaks. Then its best to add LR then SB then water.Place larger rock on the glass bottom and build from there. You can chip rock away for better palcement. Get rock work positioned for stability and to prevent rock sildes.Also this is a great time to epoxy rock together while it fills.

Premix water in seperate container and transfer over after salinity is adjusted. Add the water slow for less floating debris.
I use a powerhead with a flow control knob and with some clear tubing to transfer and control flow.

drillsar · 02/28/2008, 08:29 PM

epoxy rock? how do i do this and why?

demonsp · 02/28/2008, 08:32 PM

Settling of the rock and even flow or snails or worms could knock rockwork over and a rockslide could cause broken glass or frame and youll come home to a flooded home and dead tank critter.
Its best to get the rockwork stable then epoxy a few areas for better insurance.

drillsar · 02/28/2008, 09:19 PM

OK where do you buy this epoxy? How do you put it on? do you do this in water or?

Aquarist007 · 02/28/2008, 09:27 PM

every body has there way of course, but I have never used epoxy to glue rock together. I build my reef from the bottom up with larger pieced of reef rock being on the bottom. I also like the flexibilty to move reef rock around later on if I have to.

demonsp · 02/28/2008, 09:31 PM

Its a 2 part epoxy.Clay like.You break a small piece off roll in your hand to mix then you have like 5 min to place. You can use in the water but the dryer the better. Just press it into the rock you want to secure. I try atleast 3 spots. After time coraline will grow over and youll never see the epoxy. LFS or online vendors have it. Also GEL super glue for frags and smaller pieces.Use the gel as it wont disperse in the water.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...62&pcatid=3962

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/sta...opmistakes.htm

02/28/2008, 07:56 PM	#1
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	Setting up tank Im about to setup my tank, now I have Arag live sand do I add first some salt water then sand or is it ok to add sand then RO/DI water them mix salt? Im going to get my rock tommorow.

02/28/2008, 09:27 PM	#6
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	every body has there way of course, but I have never used epoxy to glue rock together. I build my reef from the bottom up with larger pieced of reef rock being on the bottom. I also like the flexibilty to move reef rock around later on if I have to. __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

02/28/2008, 08:03 PM	#2
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	First you want to fill tank and check for leaks. Then its best to add LR then SB then water.Place larger rock on the glass bottom and build from there. You can chip rock away for better palcement. Get rock work positioned for stability and to prevent rock sildes.Also this is a great time to epoxy rock together while it fills. Premix water in seperate container and transfer over after salinity is adjusted. Add the water slow for less floating debris. I use a powerhead with a flow control knob and with some clear tubing to transfer and control flow.

02/28/2008, 08:29 PM	#3
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	epoxy rock? how do i do this and why?

02/28/2008, 08:32 PM	#4
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Settling of the rock and even flow or snails or worms could knock rockwork over and a rockslide could cause broken glass or frame and youll come home to a flooded home and dead tank critter. Its best to get the rockwork stable then epoxy a few areas for better insurance.

02/28/2008, 09:19 PM	#5
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	OK where do you buy this epoxy? How do you put it on? do you do this in water or?

02/28/2008, 09:31 PM	#7
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Its a 2 part epoxy.Clay like.You break a small piece off roll in your hand to mix then you have like 5 min to place. You can use in the water but the dryer the better. Just press it into the rock you want to secure. I try atleast 3 spots. After time coraline will grow over and youll never see the epoxy. LFS or online vendors have it. Also GEL super glue for frags and smaller pieces.Use the gel as it wont disperse in the water. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...62&pcatid=3962 http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/sta...opmistakes.htm