new tank startup ....

[chuckstyl5]

So I have been slowly getting my tank setup -- I was thinking of using dry rock with live sand. Do you guys think that is a good route to take or should i add some live rock as well??? When I start cycling should I also skim???

 

[NYreefNoob]

When I start cycling should I also skim

i did other dont, up to you, and no sense using live sand usually not alive anyways,

 

[Lenny718]

Dry rock is fine, I would add a few pounds of live rock to seed the dry rock and kick off the cycle.

 

[Keith P]

I'm doing the same, using base rock and a few small pieces of live rock. Helps limit the gamble of hitch hikers. Just takes longer to cycle/cure.

 

[chuckstyl5]

Keith - What kind of sand are you using??

 

[Keith P]

Keith - What kind of sand are you using??

I have a mix from coarse to fine. My setup is a little different than normal, as I wanted a deeper (4") sand bed for a jawfish..

 

[motortrendz]

i got a bunch of dry pieces.. to set my foundation poured my sand around it.. got a couple of scoops from a friend of their established sand to seed that then used live rock/dry rock mix to build my reef.. it came out perfect..after abt a month you cant tell the difference.. but buying live sand is a waste.. expecially this time of year...cold round here! lol post pics lets see what u got as u do it...

 

[Tonyscoots84]

live rock

 

[ryangrieder]

just remember... the more rock... the happier they will be! and will help water qualities too!

 

[chuckstyl5]

i will start a tank thread once i get everything situated --- but right now im thinking about doin 40lbs dry rock and 20 pounds live rock with live sand

 

[Tonyscoots84]

i would say get reg. caribbsea sand or go with some reg. aragonite sand and def. invest the money towards live rock. but the 40lbs dry and 20 lbs live is fine. the live rock will seed everything eventually...

 

[chuckstyl5]

thanks for everything guys with 40lbs dry and 20lbs live --- how lond do you think it will take to cycle??

 

[motortrendz]

depends on how well you seed the tank and introduce a small bioload to get it kick started..

 

[Tonyscoots84]

depends on the quality of the rock and how much is added. I would def. feed the tank food and just monitor your ammonia then when thats at 0 then monitor your nitrites and after that nitrates ..

 

[motortrendz]

+1

 

[SmiLeyP414]

i started my tank not to long ago and i have tons of live rock its great!

 

[mickbiv]

if you need some live rock i am selling 100+lbs for about 3 a LB.
I live on the upper east side.
Let me know if you are interested

 

[chuckstyl5]

i might take you up on that in the near future