Ready to go... I think.

Setting up my first saltwater tank, 120g. Filled it with saltwater this weekend and running like a champ, levels good. I've got about 70lbs of base rock already and 60lbs of pukani from BRS coming in tomorrow. I've also got 120lbs of fiji pink sand. I'm looking at buying about 50lbs of live rock locally from a good clean well established tank to seed my base rock, as well as a cup of sand from that tank. Heres my question, should I immediately put some damsels in to keep the live rock going since its coming from an established tank? Or should I let it cycle with the base rock without any fish?

Also 120lbs of sand would give me about 2" sand depth. My LFS recommended 2-3". I'd like to keep it more shallow, but what maintenace should I expect with a 2" sand bed? Should I bother with sand sifters to keep the detritus level down? Thanks!

 

If you used live sand that should get the cycle going. If not the die off from moving the live rock should start a mini cycle which should be all you will see. If you want damsels in your tank to stay it would not hurt to add a couple but if you dont want them I would not add them as they will be very hard to get out without taking all the rock out. I would go with what you want and stick to a 2" sand bed. Really the shallower the better. I would add some sand sifters but you will need to wait a bit before there will be enough food for them to sift out. Sand sifting stars do an awesome job and get at least 2" of sifting done. Gobys are also good but they dont seem to go as deep.

 

Couple of perculas would work, they are damsels too. If you dont want to go that route, buy a raw shrimp and toss him in, that will also make it cycle. dont forget the pics when and show us the progress.... be patient...

 

WOW that is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

 

Oh my...my dream setup! Sweet!!

 

hey no fair! I think he/she is a photographer....

hah great setup! good luck!

 

Dont add any fish to the cycle. Its very painful for the fish its self when the ammonia levels rise, it basically burns there gills, the rock and sand are fine to start with. Wait till it cycles then add fish. This way you also dont have fish you might not in the tank.

 

Wow, that is an amazing setup you got going there. I can't wait to see what it's going to look like fully stocked.

 

yea i love the back over flows verus the corner for some reason