new to sw need advice

[rsinanan415]

Hello, im new to the zalt water hobby but have been a fresb water enthusiast. Setting up my new 46bowfront. I want to do a fish only with live rock (fowlr) and I have an aquaclear 70 on the tank running as I mixed the salt in last night and also added chemipure elite to the filter. Now my next step is to add sand. I bought live sand and some artificial sand. More live than artificial. Need advice on what to do from here lol. Thanks in advance!

 

[rsinanan415]

Salt*

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Put in your rocks after you drain the tank about 1/2. Then add your sand. Fill the tank to full. Put in a pinch of food and let it cycle. Test it in a week and post your results. Don't rush. Take it slow. You will want to invest in a skimmer in the near future.

 

[FlyTekk]

Your also going to need more flow. Maybe some small koralias. You didnt mention temp. Im assuming u have a heater. If u get live rock cycle wont last as long.

 

[rsinanan415]

Temp is at 78 right now

 

[rsinanan415]

Planning to get another aquaclear 70 tuesday

 

[rsinanan415]

Tank is a little more than 3/4 full

 

[MatthewScars]

aquaclear 70 arent for flow. They are really just for a return pump or for EQ. You need a Koralia or two.

 

[FlyTekk]

Yea consider the aquaclear 70 cool surface agitators. Id add 2 koralias on either end. Or nano tunzes would be even better.

 

[rsinanan415]

Put my sand in water is not too cloudy, do I turn filter on or wait.till it.clears up?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Wait

 

[MatthewScars]

Chiefmcfuz: Good well thought out reply; with facts to prove your point.


depends on your definition of 'not too cloudy'.

But since the filter is going to be your main nutrient cycle hotspot, id turn it on now to start the nitrogen cycle.

 

[rsinanan415]

Waited about 2 hours water didnt budge so im going to wait another hour and the. Turrn it on

 

[rsinanan415]

woke up this morning water is clear now i need to know how long do i have to wait to get live rock?? and how long do i have until the live sand dies out?? hydrometer reads salinity as 28 spec grav between 1.020 and 1.021

 

[fishman1069]

Ypi should raise your sg to 1.025 if your going reef. You can add the live rock whenever you are ready to purchase it. It will help you cycle the tank

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Should have added before the sand.

 

[MatthewScars]

"hydrometer" - please get a refractometer. They are so inaccurate.

 

[rsinanan415]

Not going reef doing fish only with live rock

 

[MatthewScars]

Doesnt matter. hydrometer just fail over time. A air bubble could mean the difference between 1.023 and 1.045

You're in an expensive hobby. Whats another $40 to not kill everything you have in your tank? But hey, if you dont want to, good luck, bro.

 

[mic_1011]

i don't use either! i like to taste the waters. i put a little in my mouth, swish it around, gargle, then spit! that's how i know my water is salty enough!:lol2: