Some Cycle Questions

[njtiger24 aquariums]

Guys,
I am planning on going out and getting some live sand for my tank today. Now should fill buckets up mix the salt and then add it to the tank or should I add the water right to the tank and use my power head to mix the salt? (Empty tank right now)

Also during this process should I get my fruge going with macro algae or wait until my tank is cycled?

 

[redfishbluefish]

First off I've never been convinced that live sand is truly alive! But if we assume it is, you don't want to add fresh water to the sand.....you didn't mention the order of addition. If the tank is totally empty, you can use it to mix salt. Otherwise, I'd be mixing it outside the tank. Also, rock first and then sand. You don't want your rock sitting on top of your sand.

My preference is to run the entire tank/sump system. Not overly concerned about having cheato or some other algae in the fuge. I'd want to run it all to make sure everything is working properly. Macro algae can be added at a future date.

 

[njtiger24 aquariums]

@redfishbluefish I agree I don't totally agree live sand is truly alive. The rocks are in the tank already. Just going to get the sand (took of the live part) and add it to the tank. I then will do the RO/DI right into the tank. I then will add salt and make sure all is working. I figured I could get the macro later but because it's my first fuge I just wanted to check.

 

[MadReefer]

I added water and salt directly to the tank and mixed. Then added rock and dry sand. The dry sand was much cheaper and rather clean so not much rinsing needed.

 

[Juano908]

I always like to mix the water in a different container, that way you'll know the total system water volume.


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