When to put dry rock into new tank

[Rmcuddy]

I am new to the hobby, and although I've done days of research, I still can't find the best approach to starting a new tank. I'm curious as to when I should put in the dry rock/ sand/ water. Should I fill with saltwater first, then add rock, then sand? Or fill halfway with water, create my aquascape, then add sand, then fill the rest of the way with water? Looking for all opinions on what you would recommend! Thanks in advance.

 

[Sailingeric]

Any way is good. I did sand, rock, and then water.

 

[UnbalancedNights]

I would do rock first so it wont shift around.

 

[Scurvy]

I like to place rock 1st so it sits directly on the bottom glass. Get the rock scape in order then add sand and lastly water.
Messing with rock work without a snorkel is nice

 

[cracker]

I did it the hard way. I put in sand & filled with water then add the rock. All in effort to get a close as possible total water amount .

 

[Rmcuddy]

If I add the water last, wont it create a mess when it hits the sand? I was going to use some pvc with a funnel to add the sand to the bottom last. Also, any issues starting up the new tank using well water? I'm in no hurry to get it up and cycled. Once it was all going, I planned on using ro/di.

 

[Lloyd Williams]

I say halfway or before adding water. Sand and rock will displace water and you can end up with a very wet floir

 

[samnaz]

create your aquascape out of the tank first, once you create something you like, move it into the empty tank. then add sand, this will help stabilize the rock. then fill er up with water.

there are many ways to do this. no order is wrong per say.

 

[Duffer]

I went the route of sand than a couple of inches of water for the live sand , did not want to keep the live sand out of water than rock,than water

 

[ihavecrabs]

If you do live rock or have cured your rock, best to prepare the water first. Many have to do this in the tank due to the amount they need. Nano tanks not so much. Mix that salt water up and get it to temp.

Then goes the rock. Best on the glass so it doesn't shift, especially if you get a goby or shrimp that burrows.

Then sand last.

 

[Chris Wells]

If you are using dry rock and no life is in the tank.

I rinsed sand thoroughly first to minimize mess.
I added dry rock next for the same reasons above.
I then put in the rinsed sand.
Fired up rodi water and got everything working to check for good operation with no leaks.
When satisfied, i mixed salt in last.