Simple Steps

[CoolWaters]

ok when i get my stuff which hopefully is by friday...

1. pick a permanent spot for tank
2. add LS
3. add LR
4. mix saltmix in a bucket and then pour it in the tank? (wat r my other options?)
5. install Powerheads
6. cylce for 4-6 weeks?

im probably going to buy the live rock from my LFS since i dont want to deal with shipping...

i heard u should cycle the LR and LS in a trash can...dirty stuff -.-
w8 a new/unused trash can? or a bucket will work?

feel free to rearrange any steps or better yet add some =p

 

[1979camaro]

This would be preferable:

1) pick a permanent spot for the tank
2) pre-mix SW (let it sit overnight)
3) fill tank with SW
4) install powerheads
5) put in LR (you can cure it in tank b/c it is a new tank, and if you are getting it from a good LFS it should be pretty well cured anyway)
6) wait and consider...make sure the LR is how you want it and check for dead spots for flow
7) add sand
8) watch your test kits to see when/if you cycle
9) wait a few more weeks (months is better) to let the LR flourish and develop on its own
10) add small cleanup crew
11) begin stocking slowly

 

[CAPSLOCK]

1. Permanent spot for tank.
2. Position powerheads and heater.
3. Add fresh water, mix in salt mix, mix for a day or so (turn powerheads & heater on). You want it mixed, warm, and at the right salinity before adding the LR (so you don't kill the LR). It should be nice and stable, and you can make sure all the levels (salinity, pH) are right before adding the LR or LS. After the initial setup, you never mix SW directly in the tank.
4. Add LR. If you have a really big bucket or something that will hold all your water, you can add the LR before the SW, just make sure that the SW has been mixed and warmed up well before you add it if the LR is placed first. It can be easier to place the LR when the tank is empty, but you don't have to. Just don't mix the SW in the tank if the LR is in there already.
5. Add LS (this is after the rock, because the rock is more stable if it is set directly on the tank's bottom glass... if it's on the sand and you have burrowing/digging stuff in the tank, they can dig under the rock and cause it to collapse).
6. Cycle for 4-6 weeks.

You can cycle the LR right in the tank, because there isn't anything else alive in the tank. Plus then you'll keep more cool stuff on the LR by having the light and everything set up already, and you don't have to move it again. If you choose to do it in a trash can or tote, get a new one that you can keep an only use for fishy stuff.

 

[CoolWaters]

guess i have to w8 for my heater and powerheads... to start