adding sand before salt...

[peckhead]

the sand im using is carbisea or something. its not live but its made for SW...i have my ro running right to the tank as it is filling. is it bad that i added the sand before the salt...once it is full with a heater and powerhead i can just add the salt right? is there any problems with doing this? nothing to really stop it now tho..but just wondering

 

[yeffre kix]

I would recomend premixing some concentrated saltwater in a seperate container then adding to the fresh water to acheive a proper specific gravity.
When pre-mixing saltwater I use a strong powerhead to for the aggitation which would disrupt your new sand, blowing it all over the tank.

 

[andy51632]

I would do that too. I mixed my saltwater in my tank w/ the sand in it and it was a mess. I did not understand that that it takes a while for the salt to mix it is not instant. Then u end up w/ salt mixed into your sand.

 

[dogstar]

Also, Aragonite sand is mainly prefered in a SW system because it helps maintain pH and alk levels easier than other substates because it is made up of minerals found in SW...placeing it in FW could cause premature releaseing of the minerals from the sand and cause it too be less effective over time.....

 

[peckhead]

ok thank you all

 

[peckhead]

would it be ok if i left it in a bucket even tho it is wet, then fill the tank and add salt as needed and then add the sand? i just need to no if it will be ok to let it sit even though it is wet right now...

 

[andy51632]

As long as is not live sand you should be fine. Just keep it indoors.