The order of things...

[wrboyle]

I just picked up a 12 g Nanocube DX and am going to set it up in the next few days. My LFS said to add the salt first, as that would be easier to add before the sand. Next the sand (obviously), but then how long do I let that cycle? and then what all should I add next (and how long [approx] to let it cycle?). I'm setting up a reef tank if that makes a difference. Thanks a bunch.
-Walter

 

[jacksdad]

Quick order:
1: Remove bio balls, ceramic rings
2: Base sand
3: Live sand
4: Water, put a bowl in to limit disturbing the sandbed. Leave room for rock.
5: Salt
6: Turn on powerhead to mix salt
7: Let PH run for a day, this will allow sand to settle
8: Test SG and adjust if necessary
9: Add live rock
10: Run PH and lights as if tank was cycled
11: Check level daily, cycle should take 3 to 4 weeks, maybe less.
12: Clean up crew
13: Fish
14: Enjoy

 

[newbercube]

3-4 weeks to cycle!? Man thats a long time. Any idea how long it takes to cycle a 24g nano? I just sucked it up and bought one lol I'm prolly gonna be selling that little 10 gallon on ----. JBJ is all over this site I figured it was the best.
P.S. Whats a bio ball?

 

[wrboyle]

Thanks for the info. How important is LS? If I have LR do I need both?

 

[jacknjill]

you dont have to have sand but it looks good and inverts like it. dont add the sand after the water as it makes a HUGE mess. add sand first . also i would reccomend premixing the salt and water because if you have the sand in first you cant stir the salt in to the water and i would be afraid of having salt on your live sand which would probably kill it. then once that is settled add your rock, shrimp, (if you use one) and let it rip! it will take about a month for your tank to cycle

 

[tuningvis]

Originally Posted by newbercube
3-4 weeks to cycle!? Man thats a long time. Any idea how long it takes to cycle a 24g nano? I just sucked it up and bought one lol I'm prolly gonna be selling that little 10 gallon on ----. JBJ is all over this site I figured it was the best.
P.S. Whats a bio ball?

cycles take about a month.. give or take... it's up to your tank to how long it will take..
here is a bio ball or 20
they come in the NC's

 

[wrboyle]

What should the mixture be? That his, how much base sand and how much LS? Thanks.

 

[jacknjill]

i personally see no point in livesand. just get all base sand for a fraction of the price and it will eventually become livesand

 

[jacksdad]

Opinions vary on LS. I used 30 LBS. of base and 15 LBS. of live in my 24 cube. Some people don't use any LS as jacknjill stated and some don't use sand period. The LR acts as a natural filter so the more there is, the better the filtration.
If you search this site for both LS and LR you will find many threads that will help you decide. Do the same with the cycle.
Good luck!
Bob