how long for the cloudiness/sand to settle?

Heymybigfish · 07-28-2007, 07:30 PM

ok, i mixed up 50 gal of water in my tank....took out 20 gallons....

added 30lbs of agronite, then topped it with 20lbs of live sand....i just set up my fluval 305, and hit the switch...its been running for about an hour...anyways, i was wondering how long it will take to have the sand completely settle..so i can see the background....thanks....

p.s.

once it does settle, i assume i can add the live rock and some dead shrimp or pur amonia to start the nitrgen cycle? thanks./

Tommy Gun · 07-28-2007, 09:27 PM

Welcome to the forum Heymybigfish!

IME, the sand in my saltwater tank(s) has always settled out rather quickly (or at least what I feel is 'quickly'), probably taking less than a day before I had nearly crystal clear water again. Even now, from time to time I will find some reason to kick up a bunch of sand and it settles out within a few hours.

You should be able to add live rock to your tank right now actually...the sand in the water would not have any effect on it. In fact, this must happen relatively often in nature since storms must also kick up a lot of sand and other detrius and obviously this doesnt result in a catastrophy.

Depending on if your live rock is cured, and how long it spend out of water, the die resulting die off might be enough to generate a decent amount of ammonia on its own. For other info and ideas on how to fishless cycle a SW tank, I have to admit, I am not the person to talk to, but I am sure someone much more knowledgable than I will be along shortly to help you out.

Again, welcome to FTF! It is great to meet you and I look forward to talking to you in the future.

Heymybigfish · 07-28-2007, 11:07 PM

thanks, im also wondering if i should check the nitrates/ph lvls and stuff before i add the live rock.

Tommy Gun · 07-29-2007, 01:36 AM

As far as I know, your live rock is not going to be hugely effected unless your water chemistry is way off mark, such as it being fresh water or extremely concentrated with ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. Certainly some things on the rock may suffer from less-than-ideal water quality, probably including any 'hitch hikers', but all in all, that wouldnt make it any less valuable to you since it would 'rebound' over time.

In fact, if you have true live rock, which is comprised of calcium carbonate, will actually help you maintain the appropriate water chemistry in that it will buffer the pH into the required 8.4-ish range.

Also, I would be surprised if you would find a whole lot of nitrate in your tank right now if it is just getting started as it sounds like it is, however, performing all of your water tests may give you some insight into whether or not the source of water you are using will be good or not; not to mention it might be good practice anyways.

Out of curiousity...and I apologize if I am reading between the lines too much here...since it sounds as though you already have your live rock, where and how are you storing your live rock right now? I ask because if you really do have it in your home right now, you would really want to get it into some saltwater which is appropriately heated as soon as possible since it would otherwise die off and eventually become nothing more than base rock. I apologize if it sounds as though I am talking to you like you are completely clueless, which I am sure you are not, but I thought I would ask just in case you were not aware of this. In fact, if you are interested, we have some information gathered on both base rock and live rock within FTF's article section which you can find by clicking the 'article' link in the upper left hand corner of this page, or by using the links in my signature below. Otherwise, to find them both quickly, click on these links: LIVE ROCK ARTICLE - BASE ROCK ARTICLE

Heymybigfish · 07-29-2007, 02:24 AM

i appreciate the insite and advice....i dont have any live rock yet, but i plan on getting some on monday or tuesday...i play on getting about 20lbs right away....im not setting up a reef tank, but do want reef in it....but not like 100lbs worth...i like fish, lol. anyways, its about 8 hrs later and the water is noticably clearer...the sand is pretty much settling down quickly....i figure by the time i wake up tomorrow, it'll be crystal....

i have a few more q's for you....

1. i have my fluval 305, heater (200w), and skimmer all going right now...is there a reason yet? sholuld i just keep them going or should i turn anything off?

2. when i get say, 20-30lbs or live rock...and add it in....is it OK to add another 30lbs in like 2 or 3 monthes? or do you usually wanna add it ALL at once?

3. lets say the Ph is off, how do you balance it? how about the other chemicals, like the no3/4, amonia...ect...

i think thats all....also, will i need a power head or 2 for a 55 gallon? i was told no by one person (unless i notice a dead spot), and yes by another.

thanks again.

1 more thing....the 'skimmer'

right now its doing its break in process for like 24-72 hours or whatever...but i am wondering one this....shouln't therebe like, a bunch of black stuff building up (its been running about an hour) in the cup? or is it too soon for that? thanks!