Newbie Question

[ackermsb]

I am almost ready to set up the tank!

Have Live Rock on the way and it should be here today.
Have all the purple cap water I need from Walmart for the initial fill.
Live Sand is ready to go.
All initial equipment accounted for.

There are a lot of mixed opinions on here around order and how to setup an initial tank. This has led to some confusion and some understanding that it is personal preference and trial and error by user.

That will still not stop me from asking the question.

1) Setup live rock and Aquascape
2) Add Water
3) Add Salt
4) Add Sand
5) Pump/Powerheads/etc

Can I put the water in the tank and mix the salt after the rock is in or is this a terrible idea? Why? I do not have anywhere to mix 32G of water yet and not sure I want a vessel that big when I a 10% water change is 3G. (I have not figure out how and where I will do water changes yet or prep my new water but I am thinking simple 5 G bucket with a basic pump and powerhead)

Thanks!

 

[WIReefer]

Personally I would recommend mixing the water before putting it in the tank. I think it’s easier this way. I would suggest on adding sand and then just mix up 5 gallons at a time to fill the tank I know it would take some time. Or go buy a brute container and mix it all at once if you have the space they are cheap. Then I would add the rock how you want it.

 

[Jekyl]

I added my rock before the sand to make sure it was stable. I would also recommend mixing outside of the tank.

 

[Tbird165]

The only order that should matter is mixing the water before putting it in the tank.

 

[ackermsb]

why?

Personally I would recommend mixing the water before putting it in the tank. I think it’s easier this way. I would suggest on adding sand and then just mix up 5 gallons at a time to fill the tank I know it would take some time. Or go buy a brute container and mix it all at once if you have the space they are cheap. Then I would add the rock how you want it.

 

[ackermsb]

Look, I am all for mixing first and then putting it in the tank. Three of you have said that in this post alone. I am just wondering why? Why is this so important versus letting it settle in the tank?

 

[Tbird165]

Look, I am all for mixing first and then putting it in the tank. Three of you have said that in this post alone. I am just wondering why? Why is this so important versus letting it settle in the tank?

Because if you have anything in the tank like the rock the salt will not mix right/or good.

 

[homer1475]

You will kill anything on the live rock with plain RO/DI. Mix, then fill when using live rock.

If the tank was empty, or using dry rock, filling then mixing in the tank is fine.

 

[Red_Beard]

I mixed mine in the tank, nothing but sand and dead rock when i did though. It worked fine but did take a bit longer. just mix in a bit at a time and you will be fine. make sure you have your powerheads and pumps moving a bunch of water so it mixes and give it a few days. You'll be fine as long as it isn't cycled rock, it will kill all of it to put it in R/O water.

 

[Tbird165]

Another problem with mixing in the tank is sometimes not all the salt fully dissolves and gets blown around the tank

 

[ackermsb]

Great. Makes sense. Thanks. Since I am using Live Rock I will mix first and then add.

 

[Tbird165]

Good luck. Remember when in doubt ask questions, that’s the only way to learn.

 

[CMMorgan]

If the tank was totally empty (no sand, no rock) ... then no reason you could not mix in the tank and then add the rock and the sand.

 

[ackermsb]

Thanks CMMorgan. Any thoughts on how full I should make it before adding in 35 lbs of LR?

I was thinking 3/4 and then i can mix a side bucket and top it off as needed.

 

[ackermsb]

Also, how long does it take to mix the water?

 

[Red_Beard]

Best practice is let it mix 24hours. You are probably good as soon as it is clear with no grains at the bottom.
Your tank at 3/4 should be alright.