Sand and Rock, a must have??

Question
Okay let me start by telling you what I have purchased at this point. I have a 55gal tank w/ stand (Not reef ready) trays for under the gravel, a protein skimmer, a pump to circ. water, and a magnum 350 canister filter, as well as the salt, a hydrometer, and heater. all hooked up and running with fresh water and normal gravel.
I'm a little worried about getting started, and I was wondering if I should have anything else on hand before I do get started.
My main question is about live sand and live rock. Are these a must have? I've heard it all, and don't know if I should go with L.S. & L.R. or just go buy sand and pretty rocks from home depot. I feel like I'm just too chicken to just jump in and mix in the salt and add the sand and rock later.
My local fish store is not much help unless it involves buying there most expensive products. So HELP! I'm a little lost. What should be my next step?


Answer
Hello David, (3/7/09)

Well, I can appreciate your apprehension, but, you wont do much harm in mixing the salt water up and getting it circulating.

Bring the water up to temperature and get the circulation like you like.  No worries about bringing the cannister filter online right away.

I would turn the lights on for about 2 hours per day, (on a timer) and measure the salinity.  Try to keep the salinity stable by measuring it dailiy and adding fresh water to replace the evaporated water each day.

This will give you some practice and to start establishing some of the routine maintenance that you will need for later on.

As for live rock and sand:  two things... the rock from home depot of other pet stores that is just 'decorative rock' may not be the best choice.  The important aspect of LIVE rock is not that it is alive, but that it can BECOME alive.  The important feature there is the 'pourosity'  The ability to hold and allow live organisms to become established and grow/flourish.

DENSE rock will not suffice.

Also some of the stuff you get at Home depot or other places may contain contaminants that may not be good for a marine tank.

The same can be said for some sand that is purchased as SANDBOX/ or playground sand.

This does not mean you cant use it, but again, be careful of conatminants or other things that maynot be good, like phosphates, or silica.

BUT, you can find some sand that is appropiate, (labeled for playgrounds, but suitable for marine tanks.  One brand I have heard of that is workable/suitable is 'SOUTHDOWN' sand.

IT is okay to have 'dead rock' and 'dead sand' that can become 'seeded', by mixing some dead rock with some live rock. and for the curing to be a little longer by letting this seeding take place in the tank, which again, would be another reason to get your tank wet with saltwater.



I do have a few other questions and comments... Is the skimmer a hang on the tank skimmer?  (those dont work the greatest, but can be used as a starter skimmer).  basically, it will get you used to skimmers and for the beginning of your marine tank, that is all you need, but as you get more into corals you will probably want a sump and a IN SUMP skimmer.  (which will mean you wont be using the cannister filter for too much longer either for teh same reasons)


While you are using the cannister filter, dont use the 'bio balls' or the 'bio beads'.  Just forget to put them into the filter.  If you ahve some broken pieces of rock, 'rock rubble' you can put that into the trays in lieu of the plastic or ceramic beads.

Also, you will want to include in your two week maintenance routine, to clean the rock rubble, but 'dipping the tray of rubble into salt water, a good SWISH.  thats it, they dont have to be clean, just get rid of the loose junk on the rock.

AS you are getting used to the salt water, you will want to start the other things needed for a marine tank, i.e. testing for nitrites, ammonia, pH, salinity, etc.  All the beginner stuff for 'cycling' a tank.

Good luck, and let us know how things work out for you...


Mr. Bill