About Ready For Set-Up

[a&m aggie 04']

Okay its taken alot longer than i hoped but i am finally ready to start my tank. After shattering a 55 getting it drilled. So i bought a 58 Oceanic Show and risked getting it drilled which was a success.
Now i have a few questions.
1.) When i cycle my tank should i run my skimmer?
(Berlin Turbo)
2.) What should the Hydrometer read for the salt water???
3.) If i cannot find southdown sand, has anyone used QuickCrete Playsand???
If so what did you do to the sand before putting it in your tank??? Boil????
Any answers would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks, Mark

 

[carrie1429]

Not sure about running your protein skimmer during cycle but your salinity level should be between 1.020-1.025.

 

[striker]

Having the skimmer on will only prolong the cycle. I had mine on during my cycle only because I had damsels and corals that were attached to the lr I bought. Desired salinity is 1.022-1.025. The main thing is not to fluctuate too much during water changes. Don't do any water changes during the original cycle(unless you have live animals). The sand part I can't help you with but if you do a search you will definitely come up with a lot of prior discussions. Good luck and have fun.