Fresh Water testing new build?

[GoToSleep]

For big builds (over 300gal) do ya'll recommend filling the system with fresh water first to check for leaks or plumbing problems before filling with salt water?

 

[wetWolger]

personally, i would fill with RO water, and just add salt into the aquarium.....then you get a fresh water test and still not wasting water, but not risking the salt till you verified the system

 

[firereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15572310#post15572310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wetWolger
personally, i would fill with RO water, and just add salt into the aquarium.....then you get a fresh water test and still not wasting water, but not risking the salt till you verified the system

+1

I would have did that if I had a R/O unit at the time.... Instead I had a guy deliver catalina water in my 180 gallon for $50 and tested it that way and since it had no leaks... I started my cycle right then and there

 

[firereef]

+

 

[firereef]

Hopefully you dont have leaks if you get catalina water like I did!!! Cuz that would be a waste of $50 and water:-(
Basically... If you do what I did, It would be a risk!

 

[sedor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15572310#post15572310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wetWolger
personally, i would fill with RO water, and just add salt into the aquarium.....then you get a fresh water test and still not wasting water, but not risking the salt till you verified the system

+1
This is the smartest thing to do, unless you want to throw your back out unloading 300G of water with buckets

Cross your fingers you don't have any leaks, and of course when you throw the salt in make sure you add your powerheads to start moving the water around. Might as well add the heater as well, because different temps will affect the SG.

 

[RegalAngel]

I use my 200g RODI waste water storage system to makeup most of the fill needs and then just add domestic water for the rest. I have 200g of waste water storage and that can be transfered to my RODI tank if necessary. That storage tank can be used to pull into the tank for filling (or the SW storage/mix) via my closed system pumps. And, I can drain the tank back into the same waste water storage system for use elsewhere when the leak check, etc. is completed.

 

[C-21 USAF]

Kind of depends on where the "testing" will take place.

I just rebuilt my 150 and its sitting it the garage full of tap water...taking no chances. It's been out there about a month...I think it's good.