New tank

[pavelow360]

I just set up my first tank. It is a 16 gallon tank. My specific gravity is off the charts high due to only having 14 gallons of water in the tank and possible initial mixing; I did not account for the sand taking up the rest of the space and had mixed for 16 gallons. I have read that initial specific gravity checks will be high. I have a piece of live rock that I had bought, I know you should have your SG at the optimal range before putting animals in the tank, if I put the live rock in now, will it hurt it? I suppose if it sits in the plastic bag much longer it would do the same damage. Do I wait to get the SG within tolerance or just put the rock in now? :eek1:

 

[stingythingy45]

[welcome]

You need to take some water out and replace it with fresh ro/di water until the SG is 1.025.Are you using a refractor or a hydrometer?Also,DONT put any fish in there until it has cycled.You need to read about setting up a new tank and the nitrogen cycle.
Get yourself a good book to read about the hobby also.It's very helpful for reference.And mostly,take your time.

 

[pavelow360]

I am using a hydrometer. I went ahead and took out 3 gallons and put 2 gallons of fresh back in, it is not quite 1025 but it is with in range on the meter. I have read a lot on this on the web and am patient. I do not plan to put any fish in the tank until it cycles, if it cycles. I began with some live sand came with the tank and added live sand from the store, the instant reef stuff. My friend thinks there is a good chance that my tank won't cycle. Cycle or not, if I can avoid it, that would be great, but if not, no problem, my main concern is getting the live rock in the tank ASAP in an effort to possibly avoid the cycle.