Going to make this wet.

It must be kinda weird getting all excited about putting saltwater ing the tank with some rocks and sand and that is what you get to look at for 4-6 weeks. I also got an RO/DI system and it seems that will solve a lot of problems starting a tank. I would not want to drive to the lfs for water and spend that money for water I figured the RO/DI was a wise investment.

 

Ya. I debated buying from the lfs, but it's enough of a pain to haul that stuff around my house, no way I would want to haul it from the store

 

In this hobby only bad things happen quickly, all good things take time. Patience is a virtue and doing things correctly the first time is well worth it in the long run.

 

I will be able to use some of the time that the tank is cycling to program my apex lite. Looking ahead when and what should I look for to do my first water change? I have a pretty good idea of what I am to look for while it is cycling, but any hints would be welcome.

 

Some disagree but I have always followed the directions found here:
Walt Smith - About Live Rock and Sand

Walt Smith imports more live rock than anyone so is pretty smart on the subject. There are articles on both sand and rock. I used 100% live rock directly from the importer myself, picked it up at the air freight terminal in the shipping boxes, so I had to cure the rock as well as cycle the tank but his directions were good.

 

RO/DI from the start is probably the best thing you have going. I only wish I was wise enough to put up the cash and buy one, pays for itself within 6 month anyways :\

 

Started to install my stand today. It all takes a bit longer to do then you think from the start. My stand is being put in as a built in cabinet, so I am trying to think of everything I need to wire before it all gets installed. I will take some pictures tomorrow. I am hoping to get it all trimmed out tomorrow. I also got a nice package from Premium Aquatics today katalyst and some microbacter7. I am getting closer.

 

A updated picture on my install.

Here is a pic of what I have got so far. I am going to start the rock work tonight. I also have started to get the water going.

 

Very nice tank! Rather average looking bucket tho.

 

Really like the corner tank! I'm jealous

It's what I initially wanted, but I decided I couldnt afford it and went with somethng smaller since it was my first saltwater tank.

I am not entirely sure (since my Saltwater tank is hidden from the sun) but in my freshwater tank I had superbad issues with algae since it had very partial sun light during the day, and it looks like your tank might be near the window.

Figure you've probably already thought about it, but figured I might as well mention it.