Tank filling question

[MCX23]

I'm at the point where my sand has been rinsed, my scape is finished and I'm now ready to start filling. I'm making my own water but it is not the quickest process as many of you know. I have a 32 gallon container that I'm holding it in as it is being made. My tank is 72 gallons with a 20 gallon sump, so I need a good 85 gallons or so to get my system up and running. Once I have the first 30 gallons made can I put that in the tank and then keep adding until I'm full? My plain was to add salt and heat after I had the total volume in. If I put the first 30 gallons in should I use a powerhead to circulate it until its full? I just don't want to screw anything up right out of the gate. Thanks!

 

[hanas]

Assuming since you rinsed the sand you are using dry (dead sand) and not live. If that's the case you can certainly add the fresh RODI water to the tank and circulate with just a powerhead until it's full. I add salt last to my tank whenever I start a new one but I'm sure everyone is different.

I do the rock first (dead rock), then sand (dry sand), add water, heat and turn pumps on and add salt gradually while monitoring.

 

[ericarenee]

once you get 30 gallons in your holding ro/di tank , Add salt and circulate for a hour or so. Check salinity then put it into the tank.

I would never ever Mix salt in the tank....

 

[MCX23]

Ok, so then once I put that water in the tank do I just keep it circulating until I have enough to get everything going?


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[thegrun]

I'm not a big fan of adding salt to a tank with rock and sand in it. Salt crystals will fall into cracks and crevasses and remain undissolved for days. It's better to mix the salt into the water in a separate container when you already have rock or sand in the tank.

 

[BigT75]

Yes IMO I'd mix then add the levels will climb doing it in the tank and could end up being to high so be safe mix it before you pump in in main tank / sump


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