Coral Reef Forum

First fill the tank with water, but don't fill it up to the brim. Don't forget your going to have to add salt and sand later.  Run the filter.  Now is the time for chemical's.  Add your tap water declorinator to the water and let that cycle for 30 minutes.  Also now is a good time to add marine buffer.  Now that the chemical's are in add salt.  For the new tank you should add about 3-1/2 cups of salt to start out.  Let it diffuse into the tank & if you want use your hand to help mix it in faster.  Wait about an 2 hours so that the salt can be fully dissolved into the water.  Measure the specific gravity. The specific gravity of salt water (with a Hydrometer) should range from 1.020 - 1.024. If it is lower than 1.020 then add more salt. Higher than 1.024, take out some water and replace it with fresh water.  Once you are in the range of 1.020 -1.024, turn your filter off and add your live sand.  You're going to have to wait until the water is "clearsish" to turn your filter back on.  If you run the filter while you add the sand you will damage your filter.  Now your tank should be set up properly. Remember every water change after your tank is set up, you must prepare the salt water in a separate 5 gallon bucket.  You use the bucket to add your chemicals, salt, etc.