10 gal startup

JCox · 08-01-2005, 01:12 PM

OK, got all I need to get the 10 gal going (I think). It's an AGA 10 gal, with Orbit 80W total PC fixture w/2 white moonlights, AquaClear 30 with surface skimmer, Mini-Jet 606 with a Hydor Flo, 2 20 lbs bags of CaribSea Fiji Pink live sand (not sure how much I will actually add, thinking a sandbed of approx. 2-3"?, sound OK?), live rock (haven't gotten this yet but plan on probably about 15-20lbs or so, is that enough?) and I am starting it by filling with the Petco Real Ocean water. So how is the best way to start filling? Do I add the sand first and then water or do I add the water first and then the sand, does it matter? Also, with the live sand, should I drain as much water out of the bag before adding or is it safe to add the water that this is packaged with? Thanks.

markak15 · 08-01-2005, 07:22 PM

I have almost exactly the same setup. 2 20 lb bags of sand seems like a lot to me. I'm pretty sure I used 1 15 lb bag and still had some left over. I only put about 5-6 lb of live rock in my tank (all I could afford at the time) and the tank has been fine. 15 lbs should be plenty. I usually add the sand first and then water but I've done it the other way around too and it doesn't really make a difference. As for the water in the packaging...I would dump it out.

Loverotties · 08-01-2005, 09:02 PM

Sounds good Jcox I always put the amont of sand in first,put a plate in and have the water hit that(to help on keeping the sand down).Then the rock and top off the water.Let see some pics when done and see how quick the cycle with the live rock,water and sand altogether.They say you can start your load right away but I'd waite and make shure with a couple readings!

tabwyo · 08-05-2005, 04:07 PM

Rock first, then sand and pour water on rock. Very stable that way. Or put a big glad bag on bottom. this will prevent a sandstorm.

dodge41 · 08-05-2005, 04:24 PM

An idea that seems to be popular is placing the rocks on small pieces of pvc to raise them off the sandbed. I did that along with drilling the rocks and holding them together with fiberglass rods. Works great. As stated above placing a bag ontop of the sand whlie filling helps with the sand. Wish I would have figured that out the first time I filled it.