New guy, Rock and sand questions

[banditpowdercoat]

OK, another Q, if my RO unit puts out 30GPD, it will take over 1 day to fill my tank. The sand will get covered fairly quick, but what about the rock? I assume most place rock in tank after it's filled?? I have to order rock and Sand, was going to order them at the same time, but I was thinking I would have to much die off if filled from RO?

[robzilla]

rock is usually shipped in boxes wrapped with damp paper. to wait another day while the tank fills, is not a big deal. i'd order at the same time as you'll have to cycle the tank anyway.
just my 2 cents worth

[Doug]

Welcome to Canreef.

Lots of info here to read. And a lot of helpful aquarists. Regarding your water, much of it could be made up in advance in something like a 50g Rubbermaid tub or something similar.

[digital-audiophile]

Rubbermaid garbage pails are your friend. I have two in my fish room. One for top off water and one for salt water. If you have the space it is always nice to have made up saltwater on hand incase you need an emergency water change.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Premix your saltwater before adding to the Live Sand or Live Rock. I would fill the tubs or buckets with RO water, add salt & a powerhead & heater. Then measure the salinity after several hours & adjust till its between 1.024 and 1.026. After 24 hours, you can add that to your tank.

Anthony

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Welcome!

Are you definitely wanting a sand substrate, or have you considered the possibility of a barebottom tank? Different looks, pros and cons for each, etc.

As far as live rock....I never considered what "type" of rock I was getting when I bought mine. As long as it was live rock, I was pleased! I personally don't think it matters what type. Some people have preferences, and maybe they can/will chime in. If you're creative with your aquascaping, you can make for an attractive setting.

My advice regarding a clean-up crew is: if you want some crabs, get only one or two. I find that they eventually kill each other off (just my experience talking here), and/or they knock things over. They can also kill snails as they grow larger. I would just focus on having some effective cleaners like snails, and perhaps a cool-looking shrimp for kicks (coral-banded, peppermint, fire, etc.)

[banditpowdercoat]

Thx fro all the great info, Much appreciated. I thought about the rubbermade buckets while I was tossing and turning tryin to sleep this morning. I am sure are wanting a sand bottom, we just love the looks of fine sand bottoms. But, like everything I decide on, I bet there is a drawback, isnt there.???

[Montana]

some things too consider!! If you are adding live rock it is pointless to add any mech or substraight in the cannister filter.... the only thing cannister filters will be good for is a place too put carbon, polish the water (clean the top of the water), and add water flow.. the live rock and the sandbed (if you are going with a sand bed) will do all the breking down of nutrience in the tank.. and 1 more thing see if the rock is cured or not.. if not you will want to cure the rock before adding any fish or cleaning crew... so much to learn and have fun doing it ...


hth

[Salmon King]

Were you only having only fish or plan to put corral in to