Step by step

[Clownface]

I find it easiest to learn via a step by step instructions.
say for example, totally hypothetical:
1) make water from a rodi system
2) add sand to tank
3) add water
4) add rock
5) set up an hob unit
etc, etc, etc,

if you could do some sort of checklist/some sort of directions to follow, it would make my life a ton easier. Thanks much

 

[((FORDTECH))]

In this hobby there is to much customization Because of that the process will never be the same for most people

 

[Riphter]

Rock is much easier to work, with just sand and maybe a small amount of water. Then use the rock to pour the water onto, so it limits the sand storm.

 

[BighohoReef]

The Supreme Guide is a pretty good way to create a checklist. I agree though every tank size will probably cause you to do things a little different.
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/

 

[Uncle99]

Make 0-1 TDS RODI water, enough to fill your tank.
Add rock
Add sand
Add water
Add heater
Add flow
Add salt
Mix for an hour
Test for salinity
Get to 1.021-1.023 for fish only.
Get to 1.025-1.026 if your planning corals.
Use no light.
Drop in a raw shrimp.
Get a ammonia and nitrite test kit.
When both reach and stay zero, your cycled, ready for one peaceful fish.

 

[Clownface]

Make 0-1 TDS RODI water, enough to fill your tank.
Add rock
Add sand
Add water
Add heater
Add flow
Add salt
Mix for an hour
Test for salinity
Get to 1.021-1.023 for fish only.
Get to 1.025-1.026 if your planning corals.
Use no light.
Drop in a raw shrimp.
Get a ammonia and nitrite test kit.
When both reach and stay zero, your cycled, ready for one peaceful fish.

Just checking, should I add rocks first or sand first? To me it seems that you’d add sand first then rocks. Just not sure.

 

[New&no clue]

Just checking, should I add rocks first or sand first? To me it seems that you’d add sand first then rocks. Just not sure.

You add rock first so it sits on the bottom, that way your rock is stable. If you add sand first with your rock on top something (fish, inverts) could dig under it cause the rock to fall. Some people put egg crate on on the bottom so the rock is not directly on the tank.

I would also mix your water and salt separately in a bucket, once live stock is in the tank you will need to do it separately so may as well get the system set up now to do it.

 

[Clownface]

You add rock first so it sits on the bottom, that way your rock is stable. If you add sand first with your rock on top something (fish, inverts) could dig under it cause the rock to fall. Some people put egg crate on on the bottom so the rock is not directly on the tank.

I would also mix your water and salt separately in a bucket, once live stock is in the tank you will need to do it separately so may as well get the system set up now to do it.

If I were to go with egg crates do you put egg crates first, then rock, then sand on top?Thanks

 

[Clownface]

Make 0-1 TDS RODI water, enough to fill your tank.
Add rock
Add sand
Add water
Add heater
Add flow
Add salt
Mix for an hour
Test for salinity
Get to 1.021-1.023 for fish only.
Get to 1.025-1.026 if your planning corals.
Use no light.
Drop in a raw shrimp.
Get a ammonia and nitrite test kit.
When both reach and stay zero, your cycled, ready for one peaceful fish.

hello, thanks for posting a checklist. Now i have relevant questions. I’ll be adding a Red Bubble Tip Anemone
not sure how many. Which leads me to a total newbie question: is a bubble tip anemone considered coral? And what is meant by “Get to 1.025-1.026 if your planning corals.“

 

[New&no clue]

If I were to go with egg crates do you put egg crates first, then rock, then sand on top?Thanks

Yes, Egg Crate->rock->sand

 

[Clownface]

Hello again, is there a method to adding sand to rocks?
and is this sand ok?is this sand?If not anyone you‘d recommend?thanks

 

[Uncle99]

Looks like sand for fresh water. Sand blows around the tank.
Try Carib Sea, Fiji Pink.

 

[Pistondog]

Looks like sand for fresh water. Sand blows around the tank.
Try Carib Sea, Fiji Pink.

I put in sand 1st so the sharp edges of the rock dont damage/stress the tank bottom, and to give a soft base for the rock. But that doesn't work for bare bottoms. I like the egg create idea too (home depot in lighting).
Get 1 bubble tip, if things go well, it will grow and split. If things go bad, only 1 will die. Then you can fix the problem and retry.
I would add set up refugium to your list. It is a good way to naturally remove nitrates and phosphates, and the sump will give you space for a skimmer.
Anemone is not a coral. 1.025 1.026 is a preferred salinity In specific gravity units for a tank not intended for fish only.
Try to start some coraline alge. Your rock will cover itself in some algae, coraline is the pink/purple you see in mature tanks and inhibits other algea growth.
Have fun, be patient and test often until things stabilize.

 

[Clownface]

Looks like sand for fresh water. Sand blows around the tank.
Try Carib Sea, Fiji Pink.

regarding the Fiji Pink it comes in 20lbs sizes. I’m not very good at math. I have a 36 gallon tank. How many of the Fiji pink‘s should I go with?thanks again