Largest Tank Started - Please Review My Steps

[jgaepi]

Hi, I'm starting my largest tank to date. And one in which I'm trying to minimize mixing all that saltwater. I'm not new to saltwater, but I realize this is a starter question.

It is 60g. I know that's not a lot. But, I've had a bad experience in the past where I started a 40g with a sump. My pipes weren't sealed properly and I had saltwater shooting around.

I'd like to:
1. Place my live rock and live sand.
2. Fill with straight RO water.
3. Put in pump into sump.
4. Turn it on and let it run for about 30 min to check seals.
5. Dump salt into the sump, portion by portion.
6. Let it run for 24 hours.
7. Then add in marine pure blocks and Fritz Turbo Start.

Will any of the good bacteria from the live sand die in the process of starting with RO water before adding salt?
Any issues seen with having the pump in the sump do my work of mixing the salt?
Any advice before hand about my piping seals? It is a Waterbox so no glue. All hand tightening.

Thank you!

 

[lapin]

Sounds like a good plan. Dont worry about the bacteria in the live sand. You need to rinse the dead stuff out of it and any dust. Any live bacteria will stick to the sand particles. Also since you are adding fritz, waiting for natural bacteria to grow will not be an issue. Fresh water should not have a major effect on the bacteria population.