How to fill my tank?

[Notsolostfish]

Its 36 gallons display and 18 gallon sump. Rock and sand already there. Do i open the rodi on it or fill 5 gallon bucke to know water volume for future dosing?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Either works. I tend to just fill it and go from there myself. Less strain on my back.

 

[Notsolostfish]

Either works. I tend to just fill it and go from there myself. Less strain on my back.

And how do u know the water volume later on with rocks and sand u dont mess your dosing?

 

[Pico bam]

And how do u know the water volume later on with rocks and sand u dont mess your dosing?

Test kits are your friend. If your just getting started and looking for something affordable/reliable go with salifert. Always dose 1/2-3/4 recommended amount and retest on just about anything you dose. As for the volume I just take an educated guess.

 

[Kellie in CA]

I put a bowl on the bottom and poured the water in it so the sand wasn't disturbed much. I did keep track of every gallon that went in. My 40 gallon tank only took 27.5 gallons, and I have pretty minimal rockwork.