New saltwater vs used?

[Gennaio]

Was wondering about this.

Went to one of my lfs last weekend. He recommended using saltwater from an established tank when setting mine up. He said this will help the cycle.

Is this a good idea?

I was just planning to mix new saltwater and add to tank.

 

[Uncle99]

That’s bad advice.
There is very little beneficial bacteria in the water column, it’s on the rock work and other hard surfaces.
Plus there’s the additional risk of getting some unwanted stuff as well.

New water.

 

[Gennaio]

OK that was my plan the whole time. He was the only person I heard from so figured someone here would have a good idea.

Another quick question.

When I'm filling for 1st time should I premix the saltwater then pour in or can I fill with Rodi and add salt?

Premixing and adding seems like better idea

 

[Brandon103095]

OK that was my plan the whole time. He was the only person I heard from so figured someone here would have a good idea.

Another quick question.

When I'm filling for 1st time should I premix the saltwater then pour in or can I fill with Rodi and add salt?

Premixing and adding seems like better idea

always premix before you put it into your tank

 

[Plecosam]

You can mix it in the tank the first time, but only the first time.

 

[JasonK84]

You can mix it in the tank on the initial fill. Once there is life in the tank then only pre mixed saltwater for water changes.

 

[TripleTruble]

Yes always premix and let agitate for a few hours depending on salt and test salinity before going in

 

[Gennaio]

Cool thanks for the tip!

Anyone against sand from a broken down reef setup. Have someone local that has sand from 400 gallon tank. I already bought some Tropic thunder live sand but thought since it was free might want to add a little more.

 

[Gennaio]

Cool. Ya ill just premix at first seems to be best way

 

[KTrevino]

Cool. Ya ill just premix at first seems to be best way

People typically use rock, but sand should work to some degree. Don't use a lot though could cause a spike in parameters. Will probably have a lot of detritus in it. Just a little and the bacteria can then colonize the tank. also make sure the tank is not being taken down due to a crash or some kind of outbreak that will only add it to your tank.

 

[Uncle99]

Sorry, again, I never use “used” sand.
If you must, really, really super rinsing.
I don’t even use my old sand on my own upgrade.
I might seed a new tank with a cup or so from my tank, but not from others.
You might get something you don’t want.......maybe a ton of phosphate.....
I don’t even use any LR, too many evil critters I find.
Water and sand are major components.

If you want to speed up the cycle somewhat, add a bottle of Dr. Tim’s.

It’s new water (and sure you can mix in the DT first time) new sand.

 

[Gennaio]

Sounds good

 

[ccombs]

I think you will see the theme here. You want to have knowledge of everything that goes in the tank. This is why we QT corals and fish and avoid used water or sand. The benefits of starting fresh very much outweigh any potential gains from used water or sand. Best of luck on the new tank! Start a build thread so we can follow along.

 

[Gennaio]

Thanks for input. Just going do all the new.

Heres link for my build thread if you want to take a look

32g dt w/ 10g sump new reefer

Setting up my first saltwater reef tank since I was a child. I have a 32 gallon display tank with 19 gallon sump. Taking it slow setting this up don't want to rush it. Have 20lbs of Tropic eden live sand 25 lbs dry rock Sump plan: drainage goes through filter sock in 1st chamber which...

www.reef2reef.com