Hi everyone I'm completely new to saltwater and I'm going to get a tank today that had saltwater and live rock already in. My question is how should I move it does the live rock have to be kept wet? Should I put the water in buckets? And what are some helpful tips for when I start?
New to saltwater
- Thread starter Austin R
- Start date
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If you can, not sure how large the system is or what resources you have at your disposal, if you can move the rocks in buckets or tubs with water its generally better, but if they are large, you can always use a cooler with wet towels wrapping them with a minimum of die off. I would save about 50% of the water and make new water for the balance. You will also want to take this opportunity to blow off the rocks with a powerhead and rinse out the sand really well to get rid of any silt or detritus to start your new system on the right foot. Then be patient and let everything cycle for a few weeks before adding livestock.
Definitely read through this: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
Great resource and will save you a lot of headaches.
I would also grab a refractometer either at your LFS or Amazon to check your salinity, shoot for 35 ppt or 1.024-1.026.
Welcome to R2R and enjoy the new addiction!
Definitely read through this: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
Great resource and will save you a lot of headaches.
I would also grab a refractometer either at your LFS or Amazon to check your salinity, shoot for 35 ppt or 1.024-1.026.
Welcome to R2R and enjoy the new addiction!
Thanks everyone! Now should I just use fresh water on towels to keep them damp? and should I get live sand for the tank or just regular sand? It has none in it. Also it has a sump and I was wondering if i can build a cabinet around it the sump is mounted directly under the tank and is a test kit needed to check water if so what kind?
tgfitz1
Active Member
+1 on RO/DI water. Sand is your preference and what you want to spend as live is more expensive, just remember if you go with dry sand make sure you rinse it through in RO/DI water before putting it in your tank, you don't need to rinse live sand. Test kit is essential IMO, Red Sea and Salifert kits are both good.
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
It is a good idea to keep the live rock wet but for short distances and time it is not really all that important.
FYI If you're entirely new to saltwater look up macro algae, refugiums, and/or algae turf scrubbers.
the idea is to balance out the system right from the start with macro or other algae. It makes the system much easier to run and healthier for the fish.
my .02
FYI If you're entirely new to saltwater look up macro algae, refugiums, and/or algae turf scrubbers.
the idea is to balance out the system right from the start with macro or other algae. It makes the system much easier to run and healthier for the fish.
my .02
tgfitz1
Active Member
The rock won't dry out in that time but if you can get a bucket for them this will reduce any die off
tgfitz1
Active Member
Yes that's pretty much it! Yes top the tank up with RO water every couple of days or get an Auto Top-off system to do it for you. You can buy it or get an RO unit, depends on how much buying it routinely bothers you. I didn't bother with a unit when I had a smaller tank as there wasn't too much evaporation and I didn't need to buy much.
4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
Welcome home, you will love it here!
Rock should be kept wet although tubs full of water and rock are most ideal, IMO, depending on what lives in/on the rock.
Rock should be kept wet although tubs full of water and rock are most ideal, IMO, depending on what lives in/on the rock.
Flippers4pups
Fins up since 1993
Welcome to R2R! Everyone here is giving excellent advice, so I won't repeat.
jasonrusso
2500 Club Member
I'm a big fan of the 27 gallon home depot bins. They have strong sides and don't bulge with the weight of the water. That being said, you won't be able to lift it when full, it's 230 pounds. I would put all your rock in one with 5 gallons of water. Then put a lid on it. The driving should make the water splash around keeping everything wet.
