Leak Testing and Curing In Tank

ReeferRoo · Nov 2, 2016

So my tank is set and i would like to leak test and get something in there other thank this darn fish light. (Don't worry the light is plugged into a GFI and it will be removed before water!!!) Then i would like to work on starting cure my rock and aquascape...toying with setting up the aquascape and curing in tank as i finish the room around it.

That being said...

Leak Testing -
1. Is there a specific salinity i should aim for?
2. Should i hook up all of the plumbing or just cap the overflow with a shutoff valve and then siphon out the water after the test?
3. How long should i let the water stand for the leak test?
4. If i use tap water what should i clean with?

Curing and Aquascaping -

A couple of people have told me that i should setup my aquascape and then cure the rock in the tank and work it into my cycle.

Now i am a noob with saltwater and going all out with equipment. My tank also has a full glass canopy with some small holes for power head cords and an automatic feeder for when to get to love stock.

From what i have read most people say cure in a separate container then move to your DT.

However i was thinking it would...
1. Be easier to aquascape before curing with everything dry.
2. Allow me 2-3 months of play time getting to learn how to use my apex unit and setting up my GHL doser 2 for AWC and ATO, gfo reactor, skimmer, lights etc. i wouldn't run the lights short of playing around to try and keep algae to
A minimum.
3. Most importantly i would get salt mixing down, salinity monitoring, familiarize myself with all of the test kits and probe calibrations even though the readings will be off the charts.

My overall thought is to work out my process kinks before i start to add live stock of any kind.

Oh and i over think everything...and i have no problem being patient and taking my time if needed.

So with that...sound off...if I'm crazy please by all means set me straight.

Thanks!

dbl · Nov 2, 2016

I'll offer my thoughts. I would just use tap and do your test. If you're looking to test your plumbing as well, then let it rip. Let it sit for a couple/few days. If all is well, drain and dry it thoroughly and then fill it with saltwater. If you don't suspect a leak, just fill it with saltwater the first time.

As to curing your rock, there is no reason you can't do it in the tank as part of the cycle. It will just extend the cycle time but that doesn't sound like an issue for you. So do your aquascape, add your substrate if your using one, and fill it up. Use a powerhead for circulation and add a heater if needed to keep it at temperature. Top off with RODI to handle evaporation during curing. Lights aren't necessary during curing, at least in my opinion.

I just want to say you have a great attitude going in to this. Being patient and taking your time will pay off in spades in this hobby. Just continue your research as you put the rest of your system together. Good luck with the build.

ReeferRoo · Nov 3, 2016

So i can just fill the tank short of the overflow and add a powerhead and heater at that point to cure.

If i do that is there an issue if I work to hook up the sump and eventually put that online while the system is curing / cycling?

dbl · Nov 3, 2016

ReeferRoo said:
So i can just fill the tank short of the overflow and add a powerhead and heater at that point to cure.

If i do that is there an issue if I work to hook up the sump and eventually put that online while the system is curing / cycling?

I personally do not see any issue with that. You're just using your tank instead of a tub or trash can to cure the rock. Once you've completed your plumbing and sump installation, just add additional water and start up the complete system.

Ljaus · Nov 3, 2016

That's a pretty solid plan you have in place and I +1 with everything dbl has said. You can definitely start the tank cycle and put the sump online when it's ready to go all you are adding is water volume and not much at that.