Leak test adding salt

[jbadd99]

As some of you have seen by now, I'm working my way toward a leak test, likely later today after I wake up.

Two questions I have remaining and haven't found much info in the way of...


First, I'm planning on filling the tank and letting it "overflow" into the sump, at which time I'll shut the water down and wait... with nothing on, or should I run the return pump and powerheads?

Second - after draining the tank of tap water, I had planned on filling it with RODI water and mixing my first batch of salt in the tank. Has anyone else done it this way? I was trying to avoid mixing 3 1/2 batches of water to partially fill my tank (leaving displacement room for rock). I would still need to add and aquascape my rock and sand.

 

[courterbobby]

I would personally leak test the aquarium with RODI water, then all you have to do is add the salt directly to the tank and not have to worry about draining and then refilling with ro water. Saves on water that way and a whole lot of hassle. That is how I did it. Then when you go to pull water out for aquascaping... BAM you already have premixed saltwater if you need it for anything...

 

[cr500_af]

No problem doing that as long as you have strong circulation. If not, it will take forever to mix. What I did was mixed one "batch" of water in my Brute, but used enough salt for the whole tank according to the math (i.e., one batch of very strong SW). I added that to the tank after filling it halfway with RO and then turned on the pumps. That way it mixed well and I just had to do final adjustment on the SG.

Keep in mind that if you mix in the tank, do it before any rock goes in... the rock will interfere with mixing, and the fresh (no salt) RO water will cause dieoff in your LR. If you are starting with base rock, then that's not a factor.

 

[jbadd99]

Great!

I'm going to leak test with tap water first anyways... I still have some plastic and dust that I haven't gotten out from the build and this will be a good rinse...

After that, I'll just run the RODI line into the tank and fill, then add salt before adding rock and substrate... I dont think current will be a problem, I've got 4 Koralia 1400's from Jenn's super sale in the tank and another 2 K4's I had already bought if I need to add them.