Top Off and First Water Change.

So first off. I have to filter my RO water for my top off and pour it in. Do you think i should pour it really slow or does it really matter that much. I ususaly am topping off about a gallon into a 45 tank. Oh and the water temperature is like 68 and my tank is kept at 77. (luckily all i have in there now is some snails and crabs)

Ok now. my tank has been up and running for a month. I havent done any water changes. So I prepared a buch of water in a separate container last week. So now how much should I change for this first water change?

Should I got get one of those gravel siphons so i clean up some of the gravel first?

Do you guys pump the water in from the resivor over time or just start pouring it in willy nilly.

And also after I do this change can i go out the next day and get my first fish?

thanks. im sure I have more questions i cant think of right now.

Glen.

 

Before we start with the answers to your questions, I have a few questions for you! What are you using for the cycling process? Has your tank cycled completely and successfully? Crabs and snails will die if your tank hasn't gone through the cycle yet!!!
Question 1) one gallon of RO water added to your 45gallon tank will not make a difference IMO! ADD it all at once.
Question 2) for your first and every water change after that I would remove roughly 5-10% o your water and replace it with the new salt water you made up previously. The reason for this being that their isn't much in your tank (bioload wise) for a large water change so it isn't necessary. More importantly, if you get into the habit of doing a small water change weekly, you will ensure your livestock is getting trace minerals etc. regularly. You are also minimizing the chances of human error with performing large water changes every couple weeks to a month.
Question 3) Don't bother with a syphon for your gravel...you will be removing beneficial organisms, plus you don't want to disturb the benthic area of your tank to much, other than that created by sand sifting livestock.
Question 4) I don't understand your question about the reservoir or pumping the water???
Question 5) Are you implying that your tank has cycled all the way and now you want to know when you can get some other fish to compliment your Damsels etc. used for the cycling process? If your tank hasn't cycled yet, a water change isn't necessary at all. You will have to get something to assist in the cycling process(frozen shrimp from the supermarket, damsels)!
Other than that it is sit and wait...be patient! I wouldn't get any other type of fish with the exception of a Trigger or Grouper(but not reef safe if that is the road you plan on choosing)...Make sure the cycling process is finished...ALSO TEST your water periodically to know where your tank stands!
I would remove the snails and crabs if your tank isn't cycled yet or it will be suicide for them as they will not be able to handle the stress and less than normal water quality...
Hope this sheds light on your questions!!! Just want you to be successful and also keep your livestock alive and kicking as well!
Best of luck with your tank!
TOM

 

GLIPZCOM, Was I able to help you out!!!???? I hope I was able to...