1000 ?'s

[Reefplumber13]

so here we go some are dumb but here we go

1.do i need to mix the water up before i put it in the tank?

2.how long do i need to let it mix for if so?

3.i didnt get as much live sand as i would like can i mix it with some other if i cant find the same at a lfs?

4.how long should it run before i put anything in it?

5.how many pounds of live rock should i get. and where is the best place to get it?


ok will it's not 1000 ?'s but its alot so if you can help plz do thanks jeremy

 

[wbholwell]

so here we go some are dumb but here we go

1.do i need to mix the water up before i put it in the tank?
<span style="color: red;">Yep</span>

2.how long do i need to let it mix for if so?
<span style="color: red;">24 hours is good</span>

3.i didnt get as much live sand as i would like can i mix it with some other if i cant find the same at a lfs?
<span style="color: red;">just use regular sand and add it slowly- it will become "live" in a few weeks</span>

4.how long should it run before i put anything in it?
<span style="color: red;">When your nitrites have been at zero for over two weeks</span>

5.how many pounds of live rock should i get. and where is the best place to get it?
<span style="color: red;">at least 1 lb per gallon - check the sponsor page</span>


ok will it's not 1000 ?'s but its alot so if you can help plz do thanks jeremy


<span style="color: red;">One more piece of advice; buy a good book on the fundamentals of reefkeeping. There is a <u>lot</u> of information to learn- more than can be answered in a forum.</span>

 

[Reefplumber13]

ok well i bought a fine sand will it matter if i mix it with bigger sand and i have not set it up yet so can i just mix it all together?

 

[Reefplumber13]

ok thanks i was going to get it from the lfs

 

[george]

jgilley84;167656 wrote: 1.do i need to mix the water up before i put it in the tank?

And you need to heat the water. Depending on the time of year, you may need to pre-heat the water before adding salt to it. Ideally, the water is 70-80 degrees before you add salt. Add the salt gradually (i.e. a smooth pouring) a cup at a time, not in a dumping manner.

jgilley84;167656 wrote: 5.how many pounds of live rock should i get. and where is the best place to get it?

Generally 1-2 pounds per gallon, however a deep sand bed (4"+) can also provide the same denitrification as live rock, thereby cutting how much live rock you need in the system.

I *strongly* recommend picking up a copy of http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Aquarium-Science-Technology-Vol/dp/1883693144">The Reef Aquarium Vol 3</a> which has extremely comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of all aspects of setting up a tank (besides livestock). It addresses lighting, filtration, water flow, water chemistry, aquascaping, different "methods" (i.e. bare bottom, deep sand bed, plenum, etc, etc.). It can be a bit too much for beginners, but you'll be much better informed.

I have yet to find as good a book for a beginner to pick up before they buy anything more than a tank and stand. Preferably, a must read before purchase #1.

 

[calireefer]

Heres a good beginner link.

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33928">http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33928</a>
[IMG]http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.html">http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.html</a>
[IMG]http://www.reefs.org/library/glossary.html">http://www.reefs.org/library/glossary.html</a>

 

[Reefplumber13]

why do i need to mix it up and all that i have nothing in the tank?

 

[Reefplumber13]

oh ok i understand now. but the live sand i got is in a dry bag? i will still go get the stuff like you guys say i need to you are the pros and i am the new kid on the block.

 

[george]

The "live sand" should look wet and have little bits of visible water, if you look at the corner or roll the bag around. Distinctly different than non-live sand which won't look as dry as the stuff you buy in Home Depot, but will definitely not have visible puddles/spots of water in the bag.

 

[roundman]

Remember always add salt to water and not the other way around. It will clump and won't mix well.

 

[Reefplumber13]

well i have 90 #'s of aragamax sugar sized sand is that a good sand or did i get bad sand

 

[Reefplumber13]

so will it always blow around or will it just do it when i clean the tank

 

[george]

It won't always blow around unless you've got a flow pump directed at it. It just can blow around more and will shift with the currents more easily, so you should aquascape accordingly and not put rock on top of the sand without working it in to ensure it actually rests on the bottom of the tank.

Fine grain sand can make for a really beautiful sand bed as it will show patterns from the current like the real ocean does.

 

[Reefplumber13]

well right now i will be useing two power filters so do you think it will