RO/DI - Salt

[Ron Cote]

I've just finished ensuring that I have no leaks in my plumbing. Emptied the tap water from my 120gal display & 55gal sump. Questions: Can I first fill my tanks with RO/DI.? Once filled add the salt, powerheads and heaters?

Thanks

 

[crvz]

IF it's the first fill of the tank, that would be fine. But don't add the salt and then the water, and make sure you add the salt slow enough that it's getting mixed and not settling on the rocks or sand or something.

 

[Michael]

i would add the water and mix the salt until nearly right at the required sg level, then add the heater and run for 24hrs, then check the salinity and add the remaining salt required to make the salinity to 35ppt at 25 degrees, then let the tank run for 2-3 days until clear and all levels correct, then remove some water and add the living rock, personally id not add substarte untill after a day or 2 until you are absolutely sure you are happy with the final reef wall layout, when happy add the substate, use a 2" piece of plastic pipe and drop the cleaned substrate down it until you are happy all the remaining areas around the rock is covered with the amount you need, then be patient for a couple of days max while the tank settles, then your ready for testing to begin/continue until the cycle finishes, could be several weeks or shorter

 

[Ron Cote]

I appreciate the feedback as it looks like I'm on the right track. Me intentions are not to add the substrate until the LR is in place.

 

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13025885#post13025885 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ron Cote
I appreciate the feedback as it looks like I'm on the right track. Me intentions are not to add the substrate until the LR is in place.

you will get other reefers arguing this point, however im sticking to my guns and believe in placing the rock on the glass and then placing the substrate around it, so i agree your doing the right thing there

 

[shaginwagon13]

If you don't have substrate or LR in already then you can do it...follow what 'crvz' said and add the salt slowly to ensure it dissolves and keep the water circulating in the tank while your mixing