Order of addind items to start cycle.

[joejoe]

Hey everyone I'm finally getting ready to purchase a setup and get it started. I plan on having a FOWLR, and was wondering in which order should I add the items into the tank to start the cycle. The items are:
1. Live Sand
2. Water
3. Salt
4. LR
5. Dead piece o' shrimp.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, and if I'm missing anything please let me know. Thanks!!

 

[gesswhosbak]

i suggest to have the salt already mixed in the water, thats how i did it. I am sure more people will have "better" information. Good Luck!

 

[chuckularone]

If you're going to mix the salt and water in the tank, I reccomend adding those ingredients first.
then adding the sand (It'll be very cloudy for about a week)
Then the LR
Then the decaying fish flesh
That's the order I did it in. Just be sure to leave enough room for the sand and rock when you mix the water.

 

[nacl-man]

I'll second chuckularone.
That should suit you fine.
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[joejoe]

Can I add all these items on the same day or do I have to wait a couple of days between additions? If I have to wait a couple of days, how many in between each?

 

[doodle1800]

Why don't you tell us more details of your setup - tank size, filters, lights, etc...
Welcome to the board!

 

[lesa]

Welcome
When you add your water put a plate or small bowl in your tank and pour the water in it and this will prevent a major sand storm and when the tank if filled take out the bowl or plate.
It is easier to mix your water first and run a couple of powerheads.
After the sand storm settles add your lr and then throw in a FROZEN DEAD SHRIMP (not a cooked one or one with bread cumbs) from the grocery store and you will be on your way.

 

[chuckularone]

I wouldn't worry too much about allowing the salt water to age (This time (I would age the saltwater for subsequent water changes)) because it would be better to have your LS and LR submerged in a larger quantity of water than in the small amout they are shipped with.
Good luck.
-Chuck