Cycling question

[VAPORHEAD1976]

When the tank is setup to begin cycling, what comes first? Adding water to the tank then adding your sand and rock or placing sand and rock then adding water? I have been told many different ways to do this but want whats best. Thanks!

[BuddyRo]

ammonia, nitrites, nitrates... water changes...(in that order)
Don't rush,plan on the wait... Good Luck on ya new tank!!!

Edit: ... I put sand in first then water, then place my rock,but press my rock into the sand bed good for stability.

[Mr Difficult]

I would add sand,water and rock all at once then let tank take it's course for a little while.

[VAPORHEAD1976]

Thanks for the info...pretty much sums it up!

[Ripped Tide]

Some people put the rock in first, put the sand in around the rock, which locks it into place (minimizing chances of an avalanche) , and then add the water. It's easier to stack rock when you can see what you are doing. I guess this depends a lot on whether you are mixing water in a separate container or in the tank. If you plan on mixing the salt in the aquarium, you should do that first before adding the sand or rock. If you add water, and then salt, it will take a while to mix. If you add the sand too early, before the salt fully dissolves, you will have undissolved salt trapped underneath your sand bed.

When your tank has cycled and you have started to add fish, some of them will bury in the sand. If you don't make sure that your rock structure is stable, these sand dwelling inhabitants can cause a shift in the rock and cause it to all come down.

Good luck! There are a bunch of different ways to do the same thing.

[VAPORHEAD1976]

Wow...this is great info. I was planning on mixing the salt and water in a 55 gal container then adding the water to the tank, which would be setup with rocks and sand. Is this correct or am I missing something?

[RedStang]

Sounds good. Just keep in mind that if you have live rock you have a finite amount of time that it can be out of the water.

From my own personal experience I would have the water ready to go, put in the rock starting with base rock, add the sand, add the water, then add live rock that I'd kept wet in another container with salt water.

[VAPORHEAD1976]

Good point...one that I had not thought about and that is why I am asking all of the experts these questions! Thanks!

[RedStang]

Originally Posted by VAPORHEAD1976

Good point...one that I had not thought about and that is why I am asking all of the experts these questions! Thanks!

Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm an expert! I only started my tank in June! Having done it though, my next tank will be in the order I described.

[Ripped Tide]

Also keep in mind that you don't need to try to rush things to make sure you get the rock in the water fast. If you need to, buy a few rubbermaid tubs, mix some salt water, toss a powerhead in there and take your time. I've seen more mistakes made by people trying to rush things causing more problems. Do you already have the tank? If so how about filtration? Is it all plumbed?

Edit: A lot of times rock is shipped overnight, and dry. It retains enough moisture to keep a majority of the bacteria alive.

[VAPORHEAD1976]

Yes, I do have the tank. It's a marineland 125g bottom drilled cornerflo, aqueon proflex sump 4 and submersible 4000 pump (rated at 755 GPH). As for the plumbing, I am using 1.25" pvc...just a little lost as to use tubing for the pump into the pvc t-fitting or just run pvc completely from the pump using as few elbows as possible.

[Crew]

The plumbing really is up to you. In my experience, the more efficient you can make it the better. Some people use flexline, some use PVC, doesn't really matter as long as it works. I would imagine PVC would be a better, long term solution because of its rigidity.

[izoid]

I add the sand, live rock and then water. Live rock can be out of water for longer than you think without causing issues, just make sure it is covered in wet paper and you will be fine.

[slowjazz]

Originally Posted by VAPORHEAD1976

Wow...this is great info. I was planning on mixing the salt and water in a 55 gal container then adding the water to the tank, which would be setup with rocks and sand. Is this correct or am I missing something?

I think the easiest is to add the sand, then the rocks, then the water. The 'trick' is not to blow the sand all over the place when you put the water in. I saw a bunch of people do the following and it worked for me:

put a small plate on top of the sand and then pour the water onto the plate.

Also.. (what worked for me) Pour about 1/3 the water in, setup the 'base' of your rocks. Stand back and see what it looks like. If/when you like it, pour more water in, add the next level of rocks ...ect...
Much easier then sticking your arm in the tank to move your rocks around.

[spiderman097]

Put your sand down with rocks. Then put a big glass bowl or plate in the bottom. Then pour your water right into the plate/bowl. This will absorb all the kinetic energy from your water, and you'll have less sand blown around