Filling up first tank- question

[Mattg023]

Hi all,

It’s finally almost time to fill up my 75 gal tank. I leak tested with tap water last week and am just waiting on my rock and sand shipments. Getting 80 Lbs of life rock in today and 80 pounds of live sand tomorrow. I’ll be making my aquascape first, putting the sand down and then filling it with my RODI water, and then adding salt to Achieve 1.025. My question is, will the bacteria in the live sand be fine if I am just adding RODI water to the tank over a couple hours, and then adding salt to bring it up to 1.025. Or do I need to mix the Salt/RODI as I’m putting it in. Thanks

 

[Scotty Buttons]

Pre mix your saltwater first.

 

[Webslinger]

I would add water and salt get to the salinity you want. Then add sand, Then epoxy your rockwork together in sections outside the tank, then install.

 

[RCS82]

I wouldn't over think it. You can start with dry sand too of you want, many successful tanks do. Build you aquascape, add your sand, add water, use some bacteria in a bottle supplements. Expect some cloudiness, some diatoms and brown gunk for a bit. The best thing I would do is add some old established rock from a reliable source, hopefully without aptasia and bubble algea.

 

[Billldg]

I personally would mix the water outside in a Brute trash can and add it to the tank when you achieve the salinity you want. I added the rock and sand first and then put in the water. Remember, the sand and rock take up space, thus you may only add 60 gals of water in a 75 gal tank, it just depends on how much space the rock and sand take up.

 

[Webslinger]

water and salt in a tank with a powerhead KISS

 

[Mikedawg]

I think the amount of "live" bacteria in the sand is negligible and assume you'll be seeding with bottled bacteria, live rock, etc. Many refers thoroughly rinse "live" sand to remove particulate matter and minimize cloudiness.