Do I really have to test the water?

[TideNumOne]

I am setting up a 90-gallon tank but will not have the tank for a few more weeks – because I am still building the stand. My rocks have been in RODI water for two weeks and saltwater for three weeks. I have two questions:

(1) I plan to start using Turbostart 900 next week, I read about that the water should be around 78 degrees, if it is only 73/74 does it matter?

(2) I will be running the rocks in the current tubs for two or three weeks, then move to the tank where I plan to run for another two to three weeks. Will also add some additional Tuborstart when I move to the tank. My second question is do I need to actually monitor the levels while I am still in the tubs or can I wait to start testing the water when it moves into the tanks? Since I will be running for another three weeks there, should that not be enough?

 

[lapin]

(1) I plan to start using Turbostart 900 next week, I read about that the water should be around 78 degrees, if it is only 73/74 does it matter?

No

(2) My second question is do I need to actually monitor the levels while I am still in the tubs or can I wait to start testing the water when it moves into the tanks? Since I will be running for another three weeks there, should that not be enough?

As long as you feed the tubs something for the bacteria you will be fine.
Once in the tank then monitoring is how you know when the tank is ready for livestock.

 

[KrisReef]

I presume you will be feeding the rock along with the turbo start?

bacteria growth can be temperature dependent, but I don't think the few degrees lower will be horrible, but that's a guess.

Edit, Yup. what lapin said before me.

 

[TideNumOne]

Great - yes, I plan on using one of the ammonia in a bottle solution at the same time. I will also have powerheads in the tub with the rocks.