Quick starter question

[xlLostlx]

Hey guys this might be a dumb question, but I'm starting a new tank an have everything I need to get started except my live rock, it should be here sometime this week.

My question is can I go ahead an get the tank filled with my sand an water today an insert the rock after it gets here in a few days?

Thanks for any help.

 

[theMeat]

Welcome, sure.
Leave lights and skimmer off for now

 

[xlLostlx]

Also do I need a protein skimmer now or should I be okay to pick one up in a couple weeks?

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Welcome to R2R! :)

You can certainly add water and sand now. Just be sure to wait to add any bacteria until you add the rock, if that is the route you are going.

 

[xlLostlx]

Welcome to R2R! :)

You can certainly add water and sand now. Just be sure to wait to add any bacteria until you add the rock, if that is the route you are going.

Thank you! Im taking this slow, as it's my first saltwater adventure. I wanted to get as much done upfront. I have a mechanical filter right now do I leave it off as well?

 

[LiveWire]

Welcome to the REEF @xlLostlx!! I agree with @IslandLifeReef. Would love to see some pictures of your setup.

 

[theMeat]

Also do I need a protein skimmer now or should I be okay to pick one up in a couple weeks?

In a couple of weeks is fine

 

[xlLostlx]

Welcome to the REEF @xlLostlx!! I agree with @IslandLifeReef. Would love to see some pictures of your setup.

It's in pieces at the moment haha. Still need a skimmer as well.

 

[theMeat]

Welcome to R2R! :)

You can certainly add water and sand now. Just be sure to wait to add any bacteria until you add the rock, if that is the route you are going.

Why wait for bacteria? Won’t it get into sand and filter?

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Why wait for bacteria? Won’t it get into sand and filter?

If it is live sand, it already has bacteria.

You want the bacteria to populate the rock surface to help in the nitrogen cycle. Most of the bacteria resides on porous surfaces, and not in the water column. If you wait to add the bacteria until after the rock is added, it will be more evenly distributed on the porous surfaces giving it a better chance to occupy those surfaces before other undesirable organisms can get a foothold IMO. :)

 

[xlLostlx]

If it is live sand, it already has bacteria.

You want the bacteria to populate the rock surface to help in the nitrogen cycle. Most of the bacteria resides on porous surfaces, and not in the water column. If you wait to add the bacteria until after the rock is added, it will be more evenly distributed on the porous surfaces giving it a better chance to occupy those surfaces before other undesirable organisms can get a foothold IMO. :)

I am using live sand, so if I understand correctly, I should wait to get started till I have my rock?

 

[theMeat]

If it is live sand, it already has bacteria.

You want the bacteria to populate the rock surface to help in the nitrogen cycle. Most of the bacteria resides on porous surfaces, and not in the water column. If you wait to add the bacteria until after the rock is added, it will be more evenly distributed on the porous surfaces giving it a better chance to occupy those surfaces before other undesirable organisms can get a foothold IMO. :)

Good points.
Wouldn’t think adding some now, some when rock gets put in isn’t going to hurt anything. Especially if it’s live rock, and especially if the goal for bacteria is jump starting initial cycle

 

[xlLostlx]

I have a 29g an I have 40lb of live sand so I have plenty to add later on.

Good points.
Wouldn’t think adding some now, some when rock gets put in isn’t going to hurt anything. Especially if it’s live rock, and especially if the goal for bacteria is jump starting initial cycle

 

[IslandLifeReef]

I am using live sand, so if I understand correctly, I should wait to get started till I have my rock?

You can add your sand and water whenever you like. You can also add bacteria if you want to, I would just wait until you have your rock in to add the bacteria if it was me.

You can wait to add the skimmer, just know that it

 

[xlLostlx]

Awesome, thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[xlLostlx]

Awesome, thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[xlLostlx]

Awesome, thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[flchamp89]

I like to turn the skimmer on around week 3 for break in purposes and to learn the adjustments.

 

[Rscott]

In a couple of weeks is fine

In reference to adding the skimmer

This is not true and the same incorrect advice I got when I started my tank
Any on this thread will say this And it’s false

The answer is, it depends what method you are using to cycle

I did the Red Sea reef mature kit and it specifically calls for a skimmer and 12 hours a day of light because of the additives your dosing in the kit

Several people told me no skimmer
For cycle and I started my cycle and then
Realized the method I choose
Specifically needs a skimmer and lights

So the question is. What method of cycling are you choosing

 

[Rscott]

Also, I would not add the sand until
You get your rock. I’m floored at the advice your getting on this post. I am a rookie also and got totally different advice in my post from others.

80% will tell you to add rock first then sand.

Fish that borrow will dig in the sand and if the rock is on top, it can create an aqua scape collapse

Rock first then sand then if the fish digs in the sand, they can’t disturb the rock structure.

This is a truly amazing forum buy be careful with the advice you get. I have been told
Many many incorrect things I later found out were wrong. Ask questions but it’s better to go with the the trust but verify

So if someone gives you advice , take it for what it’s worth, free advice is worth every penny.
Then research the advice on your own and make up your own mind.

For example I have been in the hobby for 5 weeks not 5 years, would you take my advice on a serious fish illness? Probably not....

Good luck and I would wait till you get your rock