One more to the list of people that do not recomend 1/2 the water. I would fill your tank with water. Place a heater and a power head in the water. When you are up to temp start adding salt to get the desired 1.026 SG. Then add your Rock. Then sand (rinse it well first, really well). don't bother with the packet of bacteria. Your sand will be "Live" with in a few weeks with out it.
Add a cocktail shrimp or the like to boost the cycle and sit back and wait. I wouldn't add purple up as your tanks PH is going to swing a lot and it will be a waste of money.
I have always ran my skimmer and lights during cycles but have heard people who don't. I don't think there is any hard evidence either way as to what is better
J |