[Jason McKenzie]

Originally Posted by wbodei

Hi everyone, I've managed to get past a surging issue with my newly set up 90g AGA with the Megaflow corner overflow filter with a sump filter and I'm ready to start the cycling process.

Since I have not even added salt yet, let alone any type of rocks or fish, I figured this might be a great time to ask for some opinions before I make some newbie mistakes...( I am a newbie to salt, but have experience with fw.) I'd like to get some Trigger fish at some point, and other attractrive species that play nice together.

So here are a few questions on my mind. I should preface by stating my intention right now is to have a fish only tank. That's what I am thinking...for sure no live coral...not sure and don't really know much about live rock..I guess some pros and cons and better understanding would help, but for now I'm focused on fish.

1. I have read a bit about using RO units, etc, and wonder if I should 'not' use the water from my garden hose that I filled the tank with, but rather, begin from scratch with water from an RO unit. The water has cycled for a week or two, and the cloudiness from the sand has finally dissipated, but I'm not averse to draining it and refilling it...better to do that now I guess.

I would drain the water and use only RO. I would also remove the sand and add the water then heat the water to 79 then add salt to 1.026 then add your sand.

Originally Posted by wbodei

2. Should I try to agitate the sand some more and 'filter' out any of the remaining cloudiness?

when you remove the sand rinse it very well in a separate bucket. this will help when you reintroduce it. But there will always be some cloudiness

Originally Posted by wbodei

3. Optimal temparature?

IMO 79F

Originally Posted by wbodei

4. Optimal filtration...not sure if I need a protein skimmer..is a sump enough?

I have a friend that has an amazing LPS Tank and no skimmer. I do not recommend it. I would get the best one you can on your budget

Originally Posted by wbodei

5. Cycling strategy? I've got time and patience, and want to do this right.

Get everything up and running and tested with Fresh water (no leaks) do the water, salt, sand, Live rock. Add a piece of raw shrimp. monitor the ammonia and Nitrates. Once they are to 0 expect an algae bloom. if your Ammonia and Nitrites stay at 0 for a week I would add a clean up crew.(snails, hermit crabs, etc.) then you could get your first fish and coral

Originally Posted by wbodei

6. Maintenance techniques, and tips for mixing in salt?

I use a 40G bucket with a heater, 2 powerheads and an air stone. I add 40G of RO/DI water and heat and air. When at 79F I add salt until it's 1.026SG. I test my Magnesium and adjust. I then drain 40G and add my new mixed water

Originally Posted by wbodei

7. Heavy metals in Oceanic Salt? I've read a few articles and posts on this topic. I've got an unopened 5g bucket of Oceanic Salt, but have read better things about Instan Ocean, in regards to the presence of heavy metals...etc..

Sorry do not know or have not read. I use Kent or Ocean Pure

I'm sorry for so many questions in one post...I just know I should try and do this right the first time, rather than regret my mis-steps later on. If some of these questions have been already discussed and answered, I'm fine with being referrred to previous posts as well.

Thanks, Bill[/quote]

No prob Bill


J