Mixing saltwater new tank

[tmcjilton]

Hello, and thanks in advance for any help.

I am starting a new tank build and want to mix my own saltwater. I have an empty 65gal tank w/ Fluval FX4 installed and ready to go. My question is what is the best way to mix/add saltwater. Should I add water to the tank, add instant ocean, and run the filter allowing it to “mix” the water directly in the tank, or should I mix the water and instant ocean outside the tank and then add it? Or, is there a better way I’m not thinking of?

I appreciate any input.

 

[dbl]

First, welcome to R2R.

If it's a new tank, yes you can mix the salt in the tank. I would suggest putting a powerhead or two in there as well to help with the mixing process.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Welcome to reef2reef!

As @dbl, stated, perfectly fine if just getting started.

Later with fish and coral you would mix it outside of the display.

Here's some reading if you are just getting in the hobby:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[SPR1968]

You’ve got some great advice already, but welcome to R2R!

And we need lots of pictures of the new tank as well! Lol

 

[tmcjilton]

Thanks for all the help! Here’s some pictures. I’ve added live sand, rock (CaribSea Moani), water, and salt. Now to wait. I haven’t gotten lighting yet, but am considering the Current Orbit 36” LED.

Any recommendations on adding ammonia/similar to begin the tank cycle process?

 

[Synner Reef]

I did the table shrimp trick. I placed it in some panty hose and left it in the tank for 3 days. After the third day I replaced it with a new one. Or you can get those Ammonia drops from Dr Tim's. But I didnt go that route.

Lookin forward to watching your progress.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Thanks for all the help! Here’s some pictures. I’ve added live sand, rock (CaribSea Moani), water, and salt. Now to wait. I haven’t gotten lighting yet, but am considering the Current Orbit 36” LED.

Any recommendations on adding ammonia/similar to begin the tank cycle process?

Word of caution. Try moving the sand away from the bottom glass before placing your rock in. If you place the rock on top of the sand, it will over time settle and may cause a rock slide or rock to fall. Jmtcw.

 

[reef lover]

+1 rock sand water salt...

 

[shred5]

It is fine doing it in the tank.
Always add salt to the water never the other way around.

I am going to add I am not sure I would do it in the tank with the sand in it already though. It will be hard to mix up.

 

[BW1199]

Do you guys suggest adding the rock after the water has mixed? Or can the water and salt be added after the rock goes in? No worries about the salt just getting trapped in the rock and never mixing properly?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I’ve done it all kinds of ways. The best is rock, sand then water. Rock can be “cured” before the tank is ready in tubs. Add rock, then sand, then water. Use a plate on the sand bed and pour/pump water on to the plate to keep the sand from creating a huge sand storm. It will be cloudy, even if you have rinsed the sand throughly beforehand.

Anyway, I’d move the sand to one side of the tank, now that it’s in water, gently and place the rock in gently on the glass. Some will say to use egg crate to place the rock on, but many place it on the glass. My current tank, I placed it on the glass.

 

[Seasidenj]

I like putting a small layer of sand first then I do my rock rock and add saltwater

 

[tmcjilton]

So. I may have messed up and could use a bit of advice. I am getting an RO/DI filter in the future, but to start the tank I used 5gal jugs of spring water that I get delivered for my water cooler. I figured bottled water would be much better than tap. I’m hoping this will be okay as it’s already done. I’ve let the system run for a few days now and SG is 1.026. Ammonia is 0 (I haven’t started cycling the tank yet, waiting for Dr. Tim’s), NO2 is 0, and NO3 is between 0-5. Do you think I’ll be okay, or should I test water for something else? Thanks for the help.

 

[tmcjilton]

Also, here’s a shot of the tank nice and clear. I bought all the “moani” rock my lfs had in stock. I’m waiting for more to come in and will add soon. Hoping to get another 40lbs.