first steps

[fatmtbiker]

This weekend I am starting my new 125 RR with a 125 sump/refug. My first few months will be the following, let me know if I have anything in the wrong order.

1. Get new tank and setup stand to work with overflows.
2. Setup stand in back room on other side of wall for 125 sump/refug.
3. Setup bench for rubbermaid containers - cure rock, hospital tank, ro/di water......
4. Build plexi wall inside 125 at 1/3 mark so sump and refug don't mix
5. Plumb system
6. Run system for some time with tap water to make sure leaks are not an issue and that my mag24 is good (have only tested it for a short period of time in a sink)
7. Add heaters in refuge to make sure I have enough to keep temp consistant over time (around 81 degrees)
8. Setup container to cure rock (something like rubbermaid with power heads to keep water moving. Would like to setup on drain valve or a small pump to get water from here to either drain or tank.

Do I need "clean" ro/di water for the steps above or not until I am seeding all the dead rock and sand with the live stuff? Do I need to buy the ro/di right away for 1-8?

[MichaelRyanSd]

You can use tap water right up till the point of curing the liverock....you need saltwater there...other then that I'd say you have a solid game plan....

[Shooter7]

I would use RO/DI for the rock container.

[KD9RG]

Use RO and save yourself lots of problems.

[dsn112]

don't waste RO on leak testing!!

[NirvanaFan]

I'd use regular tap water for the leak testing, but for curing the rock, you will definately want to use saltwater made with RO.