action list, when filling the tank for the first time

Ginzo · #1 01/31/2006, 01:21 PM

I'm on the verge on filling my 118g tank. Just wondering what's the best order for filling a tank. Can you experienced people, please give me a list of actions, for example here is my list (I'm not exactly sure of the ordering of each action):

1) Fill the tank with RO/DI to half
2) Add the sand/substrate (should I rinse my sand?)
3) Add salt to the tank
4) Heat the water to good temperature
5) Add the pre-cured live rock to the tank
6) Fill the tank completely with RO/DI water
7) Add salt (if needed)
8) Turn on close-loop to mix everything
9) Should I turn on the Skimmer at this point ?
10) Let everything mix of a week or two to cyle ?
11) ...add first fish ?

Could we elaborate the best list of actions for newbies and experience people alike, to start a new tank.

llamart · #2 01/31/2006, 01:43 PM

I've done sand fist then water and the opposite. Either way the sand will cloudy up the tank and it will take time to settle. Also no need to rinse sand.

I would mix the salt with the water before filling. That way your not mixing it around in the tank and stirring the sand up. Plus not having the pumps on, It will make it harder to mix and the salt before it drops down into the sand.

One more..Might as well fill it up as much as you can. If the live rock will be put in immediatly then leave space, if not fill it all the way.

Everything else looks good, great job planning ahead...

Ginzo · #3 01/31/2006, 01:56 PM

Ok, thanks for those comments.

Should I wait until my sand and saltwater have been added before putting in the live rock ?

I think putting in the sand and add the live rock right after would be better. Because adding live rock to a tank full of water seems a little complicated. I'd rather add my live rock and then fill the tank with saltwater.

What do you think ?

Also, when should I turn on my skimmer ?

miztic · #4 01/31/2006, 02:07 PM

I preferred to get my live rock into the right sg water as fast as possible, same for the sand ( I bought live sand so it needed saltwater too), so I did: fill tank with R/O, turn on cirulation, check for leaks, (i figure leaked fresh water is better then salt), add salt, let it mix for a few days, then I added sand, that made a horrible cloud that cleared up in a couple of days with a micron filter. then I added the rock.
make sure to have extra room to take out some water or putting in the rock will overflow the tank.
I turned on the skimmer as soon as I had rock in there.

good luck.

Danger731 · #5 01/31/2006, 02:09 PM

I agree mix salt first

Ginzo · #6 01/31/2006, 02:11 PM

miztic,

Why do you add the sand after adding the water. Why not put in the sand before the water, so you don't have a great sandstorm ?

Ginzo · #7 01/31/2006, 02:12 PM

oh, just saw that it's live sand !

do you turn on your skimmer during the sandstorm or after ?

miztic · #8 01/31/2006, 02:16 PM

good question

in my case, I was waiting on the skimmer to come in, so the day it came in is when I ran out and got the live rock.
I *think* i would have ran the skimmer right after putting the sand in (if i had it), to help clear the tank, its my first skimmer, so I don't know how it would do with the sand.

brandonberry · #9 01/31/2006, 02:21 PM

Definitely let the water aireate for a couple of days before adding anything live (rock, sand,etc). If the pH and chemical reactions have not stabilized in the water, your live sand and rock may become dead sand and rock.

Ginzo · #10 01/31/2006, 02:27 PM

So you would put in the RO/DI water + salt and let stir for a couple of days before adding anything else ?

miztic · #11 01/31/2006, 02:31 PM

yeah thats how I did it.

Ginzo · #12 01/31/2006, 02:36 PM

ok, cool, so now the question is: when should I first turn on my skimmer ?

miztic · #13 01/31/2006, 02:39 PM

I would turn it on as soon as you have life in there.

Ginzo · #14 01/31/2006, 02:44 PM

Ok,

Also, when should I turn on my lights ?

Should I start this at the beginning and have the lights on during the normal hours ?

Or should I turn on my lights only when there's life in there ?

brandonberry · #15 01/31/2006, 02:50 PM

I agree. Having the skimmer on will help to aireate the water. I can't think of any reason why you wouln't have it on.

brandonberry · #16 01/31/2006, 02:51 PM

I don't see any reason to have lights before you add live rock and sand.

Ginzo · #17 01/31/2006, 02:53 PM

ok great guys ! making good progress on the list of actions !

Is there anything I should do, to help the cycle process go by easier ?

Also, when should I do my first water change ?

brandonberry · #18 01/31/2006, 03:02 PM

Just don't add too much stuff too fast. Also, don't add fish that you don't plan to keep. The old idea about putting in damsels is great until you have to catch them out.

Ginzo · #19 01/31/2006, 03:05 PM

I heard that adding a frozen schrimb can help the cycle process ?
Is this true ?

jeffbrig · #20 01/31/2006, 03:06 PM

Go ahead and run your lights on a normal scheudle for a few days to get an idea when your temperatures are going to run. That way you can get a headstart if you need fans or a chiller. Better now than after you've bought your first fish or coral.

jeffbrig · #21 01/31/2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ginzo
I heard that adding a frozen schrimb can help the cycle process ?
Is this true ?

There's really nothing to cycle in an empty tank with just sw. The "cycle" is really just waiting for bacteria populations to build up. Those bacteria will live in the sand and LR. IMO, no need for a shrimp, your LR addition should have enough die off to feed the bacteria and kick start the process.

Ginzo · #22 01/31/2006, 03:09 PM

Great idea !

I have a central air conditioning system in my place that can easily keep the temperature of the room constant during the summer. I'll need some good heaters, because during winter it can get quite chilly up here in Canada !

But that's a good suggestion for the lights !