first saltwater tank

[psychadelicdream]

I'm setting up my first s/w tank and ive read around and got a pretty good idea, but i was wanting some input on how the rest of u all set yours up.......im going to be putting live rock in it so should i put that in right away or wait ...can i put in a lil bit then keep adding it?....thanks

 

[Dominuslive]

How big of a tank???? I would add some, then when you get it cycled add a little every couple of weeks. Remember to cure, if you order online. I can't remember the name of a site that sells aquacultured carribean for around $2.00 lbs, might be able to get all you need that way.

 

[psychadelicdream]

46 bow its going to have a emp 400 powerfilter and a coralife superskimmer rated at like 60 gallons i think needlevaulve kind and a powerhead i guess..i have a extra one

 

[Dominuslive]

If I were you, buy a 20 gal rubbermaid tote, buy a bit of eggcrate, some biomedia, a pump that can handle 460 gal @ 8-9 head, create your own sump/refugium, you'll be happier with the results Plus added volume as well. With Salt you will continually "need" to go bigger

 

[yourmylunch]

add all the live rock at one time to cycle the tank completely or u will have to cure the rock seperatly and then add it after a few weeks and this is more of a pain in the long run.

is this a fish only tank that will be okay but a wet/dry filter is better oversive your protien skimmer

if its a coral tank with few fish if any you really need a sump or u will have to do more testing and chemical maintenance bigger is better. i would recomend using a deep sand bed and live rock in the main tank and a mud filter as your sump google it and read the 3 good article that pop up it will help maintain alk ph and trace elements from the mud and use macroalgae in the sump with the light to help reduce nitrates the deep sand bed will do this aswell. but u need some inverts to stir the sand in the main tank. protien skimmers never hurt here either.

 

[psychadelicdream]

I just plain dont have the room for a sump...its a 46 theirs maybe room for a ten gallon tank under the stand...so maybe a small refudgium or one that hangs on the side...and plus if i do that it will have to be a future project......i got a skimmer and powerheads.....im just trying to locate some live rock at a decent price prolly gonna have to buy base rock and just seed with live rock thoughout the pile cause its just way to pricey around here...i found base rock for 1.50 a pound so ill prolly buy like 10-15 pnd of live and the rest base and let it grow....wish i could find a established tank so i can get some sand