About to add water for the first time.. tips?

[Rscott]

hi all

Going to add water for the first time this weekend to my Red Sea reefer 450

See my build thread for details.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-guy-with-a-red-sea-reefer-450-build.603245/


Apex ready to go, mixing station built and 150 gallons of RODI ready to go.
Will mix salt in the next day or so.

Overflow box leak checked.

Manifold can’t test just yet.

Sand ready to be out in right before it’s time for water

Anything else I should think about?

Thanks!

 

[ludnix]

Quick tip: Use a plate to pour water onto so you don't disturb the sand too much while filling the tank.

 

[Gareth elliott]

If your manifold isnt attached to the stand yet can test outside by putting pump in a bucket.

If you also have the fluid monitor module and leak detectors would set up before you fill simply because you have them, and will detect water before you see it, and can stop sooner.

 

[BestMomEver]

If you don’t have the leak detection unit, I would suggest you get one. Best $150 I ever spent.

 

[Peace River]

Quick tip: Use a plate to pour water onto so you don't disturb the sand too much while filling the tank.

+1. I suggest that you get a plate that is dedicated for fish stuff so you don’t have to worry about soap residue and you don’t have to worry about that look as you try to sneak it back into the kitchen!

 

[Millopolis]

Quick tip: Use a plate to pour water onto so you don't disturb the sand too much while filling the tank.

Or, you could take out the sand and go bare bottom!

 

[lapin]

You have rinsed your sand yes?

 

[TriggerFinger]

I suggest rinsing your sand!! I had half live sand and half dry sand. The live was very silty/dirty and I’m very glad I rinsed it

 

[Billldg]

If you are using caribsea live sand do not rinse, the water you see in the bag has good bacteria in it, just add the clearifyers that r in the bag after you add the water. The sand will settle in a couple of hours.

Congratulations on getting the tank wet.

 

[Rscott]

Thank you for all the comments

Sorry on the delay of reply. Been working all day!
Yes using Carib Sea live sand so probably won’t rinse.

Good idea on checking the manifold and also on the plate!

Thanks

 

[Rscott]

Or, you could take out the sand and go bare bottom!

I strongly considered it. I sure wouldn’t mind taking 100lbs off the weight

Not in love with the look but also I understand that the sand has other benefits as well such as additional filtering and places for fish to hide

 

[Nicholas Scelzi]

Get a heater in your mixing station so that the water is at the proper temp when you add it to the tank.

 

[Rscott]

Get a heater in your mixing station so that the water is at the proper temp when you add it to the tank.

I already have 2 300 watt Eheims in the 100 gallon tanks