Getting started

[spmgbreaker]

Hi all,
Im new to saltwater aquariums and I just want to make sure that I do things the right way. So far I have tap water in my 30 gal. tank with a bag of sand and a bag of crush coral. I was not sure if needed to put the instant ocean before hand. I have an aquaclear 300 filtration hang on system and a 150 watt heater operating already. I also purchased a typhoon skimmer, which I dont have running since there is no animals in the tank. I plan to get about 30 lbs. of live rock. I know there is a curing process for the live rock and I was wondering if I can do the curing in the tank itself instead of a seperate container since there are no live animals in the tank yet. Thanks. Looking forward to any inputs.
T.C.

 

[patandlace]

I would put in a live sand substrate instead of crushed coral while their is still no animals in the tank. Its eisier to keep the nitrates down with sand. You could also add the live rock now to help with the cycle. It's best not to use tap water. Just make sure when you do water changes you're using RO water.

 

[spmgbreaker]

Should I get the RO ASAP before I can start curing any LR? I figured I can hold off on it until I get any fishes.