[ksreefbuilder]

ok, my new tank is all set up and I have a newly purchased live sand bed. Is it ok to just start adding the salt water? Please answer ASAP, I would like the tank to be able to start filtering this evening. I was told it will take about a week to clear up. THANKS

[glampka]

You can add the salt water. You should really put your LR in first before the sand. That gives the rock a stable base to rest on. If you put the sand in 1st you run the risk of having the LR topple over should you get some burrowing fish.

[FINDING_NEMO]

if u bought live sand, u need to have water in the tank first so the bacteria wont die

[sundaybum]

I put my sand in after I mixed my saltwater and poured it into the tank. I thought the sand would float around for a while, but careful opening of the bags proved me wrong. I then put the live rock in after a few days. I am still waiting for my tank to cycle; I am new at this as well.

[unclejed]

Hi "newbe", you are doing fine! Things will settle down, the tank will clear (less than a week) and the cycle will kick in. Make sure you have your test kit and start filtering. I have a tip that some like and some don't, and that is, get some good nitrifying bacteria and add the dose it recommends for a new tank. I know, I know, the live rock and sand have it, however, I have found that a little boost helps a lot to establish a solid bacteria foundation from the start. Also remember, depending on the filter system, the bacteria sated tank will help speed up the filter to load up on bacteria.