water conditioner

Do you have the base rock and sand in the tank? If so you should not mix salt in the tank directly. Some crystals may get caught in the sand and rock and not dissolve. You should only mix salt in the tank if it is completely empty, except for the water of course.

 

could i just buy a RO unit at lowe's would that be the same as the lfs or am i way wrong

 

Lowes, Costco/Sams and others sell drinking water systems which are not the same as a reef quality system. They appear the same to look at but its "what's under the hood" that makes them different. Reef systems have better performing, lower micron, longer lasting filters, usually much higher GPD RO membranes and include things you will need like pressure gauges, TDS meters and most importantly deionizing filters.
A few examples that are highlye regarded are the ProPlus fround here for $149 complete:
SpectraPure Customer Appreciation SALE! 20% - 50% off

Or the 75 GPD Premium found here for $169:
http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Category=168&Sub=166

Buckeye also sells the same unit with a drinking water kit so you get the best of both worlds:
http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Category=171&Sub=166

 

the Lowes filter is better then nothing but i would spend the extra $$$ on a good RODI unit as water is the most important thing for your fish/corals.

still not sure about adding stress coat or prime as it kills some of the stuff you want to start your cycle but i guess if the majority of the people here say to use it then use it. you wont be adding any livestock for a month or two and by then most of the stuff prime would neutralize will be gone.

I'd like to add to AZ's list of places to look for RODI units and other filtration and additives... i think BulkReefSupply.com has great stuff and gives detailed directions on how to use what their products and just good instructional vids on stuff.