Starting reefer 350

[aerialdronemaster]

Helli
After 1 year , I am upgrading from nano 24g to reefer 350.
I Google sone stuff , but I prefer pro advice
So I am picking it up tomorrow.

Few questions

How much sand should I get ?
How many pound of live rock ?
Running skimmer during cycling is recommended, correct ?
Don't replace water until ammonia and other parameters are ok correct?
I keep light for 8h in my nano , same in reefer?
When adding the water, do I add it to the tank only and when I start the return pomp, it will push the water to the sump, or I add desired water level to the tank and pomp and then start it ?

Any other good advice?
Thank u

 

[Ludders]

If you're using dry rock, why not create your aquascape and add the rock to a brute bin getting it cycling first while you wait for you tank to arrive then setup?

I would go with as much sand and rock as you esthetically want and boost your bio filtration by adding something like marine pure bio spheres to the sump.

If you want anything that sleeps in the sand (wrasse) you will need more sand. Some people don't have sand at all, so again it's personal choice.

What were your plans and timescales for the build?

 

[Ludders]

Sorry just noticed you're picking it up tomorrow, so scrap the brute bin idea.

What kind of aquascape did you have in mind?

When planning an aquascape, remember how it looks when you first setup isn't your finished goal. I have made this mistake and it can limit your coral placement and growth a few years down the road.
Now I allow a good amount of space for growth and I don't get too hung up about how the aquascape looks on day 1. It also allows for space for maintenance this way without breaking all your coral when you try to siphon the sand bed.

Maybe start with 40lbs of sand and 50lbs of rock. Go for special grade sand, not anything too fine.