Initial tank fill

[fishhooked]

After some time planning and learning from the EXPERTS here, I am going to start my 29G FOWLR. My plan is to use a DSB and base rock. After my fishless cycle I will add some live rock for seeding. I plan to use 2 powerheads and a skimmer. My main question is what comes first the water or the sand. Do I add water then sand or sand and then water? I would prefer to put my base rock and sand in place then add water. Also when do I add the salt mix. Is it OK to add the salt after the water is in the tank and the powerheads are running? Also when do you recomend that I start running the skimmer.

Also stocking suggestions would be great. I am kinda stuck on percs.

Thanks

 

[BrianH]

Put the sand & base rock in first. Add water, add salt, test for specific gravity, add more water or salt to get to your desired SG. This is the only time you can add the salt directly to the tank. After you add avy living creatures, you must mix up a batch of SW separately and then add to the tank. Most people mix their batch of SW for at least 24 hrs. to make sure it is completely dissolved.

Brian

 

[fishhooked]

Thanks for the response! I am looking forward to getting this thing started this weekend. If anyone sees a problem with my plan, I am open for opinions/criticism. I want to do this right.

One other question about the salt. Does this stuff dissolve easily or do you have some settling? Is it essential to have the powerheads running when adding the salt?

 

[Kit Walker]

The salt mixtures dissolve fairly rapidly but I've found I get a fraction of sediment that sits in the bottom of the mixing bucket. A powerhead is an excellent way to speed up the mixing of your tanks water. If you live near the ocean you can also use some sea water. I added a couple of buckets of sea water in my initial fill because I assumed it would contain beneficial micro-organisms.

 

[VoodooChild]

I'd start the skimmer after 10-14 days for a fishless cycle. Otherwise you can skim the wastes needed for a good ammonia kick. I had this happen to me when I turned the skimmer on Day 1 and I had to re-cycle.