Beginner question about live sand and rock

[Bassguy13]

I just got my live sand and sea salt. But no live rock yet. I was wondering if it would be ok if I went ahead and setup my tank added water and sand etc. Without the live rock. I won't get the rock till thrusday so would this be ok having the water and live sand in the tank days before the live rock?

 

[mcgyvr]

Sure.. No problem at all...

 

[Bassguy13]

Ok good. And how should I put things in the tank? Should I fill tank full with water and mix salt in or should I put sand in then add water and mix?

 

[mcgyvr]

I'll always recommend sand first.. Then gently fill with premixed saltwater to avoid creating a sand storm..

But you've got time for a storm to clear so you could add water then salt then sand would be fine too..

 

[Ytsejam02]

I'll always recommend sand first.. Then gently fill with premixed saltwater to avoid creating a sand storm..

But you've got time for a storm to clear so you could add water then salt then sand would be fine too..

Agreed. If you add water/rock prior to sand, you end up with sand/film on everything, even after the sand settles. The sand blows off fairly easy. The film, not so much.

 

[Brieninsac]

Personally, I like to setup my rock on the bare bottom of the tank first and then add sand. The reason being is the rock won't settle.

 

[scooter31707]

If you are planning on getting diggers, like gobies or jawfish, I would suggest putting your rock down first, then sand. If not getting none of those, you could do sand first, then rock.

 

[mcgyvr]

As stated.. when placing your rock (if the sand is already there) simply press the rock down into the sand and don't just let it sit on top.. Creatures WILL dig it out causing the rock structures to potentially be unstable/topple over,etc.. if just left sitting on the sand..

Its fine to add the sand first.. Just press the rock down into it..