How long can LR go without lights?

[knpjdad]

Just talked with a somewhat LFS (about 50 miles away) and they have great prices on dry goods! The only thing they didn't have was the lighting, He said it should be in on thursday. My question, could I buy the Tank, 75 Pounds of Live Rock, Sump, PH, Salt, Test kit, Hydrometer, etc, etc, etc. Put everything together put the live rock in, and wait a few days for the lights? Or should I just wait and get it all at once?

 

[Carpentersreef]

If the LR has an abundance of life forms on it, get it now. You may see some fading of coralline algae, but otherwise it'll be fine.

Mitch

 

[knpjdad]

Great! Thanks!

 

[DougBak]

Sure! I don't see a problem with that. You're going to have to wait for the tank to cycle before you start populating, and there should be enough life in the rock to start the cycle. Although I did start mine with live rock and 3 green Chromis, and the cycle went well.

Lighting comes more into play as you start adding photosynthetic inhabitants to the tank.

Hope this helps!

Doug

 

[knpjdad]

That's great to hear!!! I have a limited time frame for picking up this equipment. So I'm glad that I don't need the lights first thing!!

2nd question. Should I place the sand, and rock in the tank, then mix up saltwater in a bucket, then pour it in. Or should I pour in the saltwater, then put in the LR after 24 hours or so? As you can tell, I don't know how hardy LR is

 

[Carpentersreef]

LR is extremely hardy. It doesn't really matter which order you place things in the tank, but if you are planning on keeping critters that burrow in the sand, you may want to place the LR in first, then the sand.(to prevent something from tunnelling under the rock and causing the pile to shift)
Keep the LR wet or submerged as much as possible.

Mitch

 

[knpjdad]

Okay!!! Looks like I'm going to go spend some money tomorrow!!

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Carpentersreef]

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Mitch

 

[knpjdad]

Well!!! I DID IT!!! Went a got myself a brand new 75 Gallon setup with all the goodies!! Too bad I had to go to work to "pay" for all the goodies, so It's going to be just sitting there till Thursday morning! But I know what I'm going to do when I wake up!!!!

Thanks to everyone for all the input, and the open welcome I received here.

I'm hoping one day, I'll know enough to return the favor to some other newbe! I already have 3 people asking me about saltwater setups.... I told them to check out reefs.org, and study, study, study!

Take Care!!

 

[ChrisRD]

A 75 gallon is a great size IMO. Make sure to take your time and do lots of reading.

And of course, ask questions here as things come-up and we'll try to give you a hand.

Good luck with your new reef!

 

[knpjdad]

Thanks Chris!

The only question I'm trying to answer right now, is how long should the lights be on during a 24hr period? Been looking for an hour and can't find anything yet.

But still reading!!

 

[ChrisRD]

While you're cycling/curing the rock you may want to keep the photoperiod down to decrease algae blooms - say maybe 4-6 hours. Once the tank is cycled and the rock is cured I'd gradually increase to a full light cycle of 10-12 hours a day.

 

[knpjdad]

Once again THANKS! Chris!