new tank info

[stevej]

hey i just started my new 55 gallon saltwater tank today with live rock and live sand. i have two powerheads also, do i need to use them this early? another thing, should i use my light now too? -thanks

 

[Lotus]

Welcome to the site!

As soon as you have live rock, get the powerheads going.

You don't have to use the light while the tank is cycling.

 

[stevej]

ok thanks and also how long does it take for the tank to clear up after i pour in the sand because its been a few hours now and i still cant c to the other side of the tank

 

[unwritten law]

Did you wash the sand before hand?

I washed mine really well and it took a few hours to clear up pretty good, over night completely... If you didn't wash it, like I did on my FW tank it took a few days...but that one was more like dirt than sand.

 

[stevej]

no i didnt wash it is that bad for the tank or will it just take longer?

 

[KahluaZzZ]

depend on the flow, grain size of your sand, detritus in the tank. Try to avoid to aim at your substrate. Usually it took me around 4-5 hours to clear it all

 

[unwritten law]

its not back but will take longer cause there is like dust and stuff that will cloud it up longer...

 

[stevej]

ok but will the powerheads keep stirrin it up and make it settle slower?

 

[Lotus]

Sand settles when it becomes coated in the "good" bacteria. It could take a few hours, it could take a few days. Just be patient.

Patience is the No. 1 thing you need with a saltwater tank.