Pet Forum / Aquaria / Marine Reef / February 2006

Start by setting up your tank by using live sand as well as regular sand you
get from a live fish store (LFS). You want enough sand to make a minimum of
4" bed. Make sure you rinse the sand prior to putting it in the tank or else
you will get cloudy water. Once the sand is rinsed and you put it in the
tank, arrange the Live Rock (LR) the way you want it. Using a Reverse
Osmosis _Di-Ionization (RODI) Mix you water and salt in a separate container
to the specific gravity. Once its mixed, begin to add the water to your
tank. your best bet is to use a new Rubbermaid trashcan for mixing your
water/salt and pump the water into your tank once its done.( With a RODI
this process will take all day).
Once your tank is topped off, use your power heads to circulate the water, I
suggest one on each side of the tank for good water movement.

Now just because your tank has water in it does not mean you can add fish.
In a few days, test your water, you will see your ammonia is off the
charts( this is normal but bad for fish).  In a few weeks (3 or so) do
another test of the water. you should see some improvement in your ammonia.
After 4 weeks or so, do a partial water change, this is where you remove
%10 - 20 of your water and replace it with freshly mixed salt/RODIwater..
This takes time.. your tank needs to cycle .(This should take a 60 days or
longer then it's time to add fish. Once you reach 0.0 ammonia, its time to
add fish.

LIGHTING. Make sure you put your lights on a timer. I have mine turn on
around 2pm and off around midnight. Lighting is also important in helping
your tank mature.

This whole thing is a process.. it takes time and patience. when you get
stuck, come to this message board and post your problem.. you will find your
answer.
Good Luck