1. Unpack the unit and water test the aquarium. Basically I will just fill the aquarium with water for 24 hours to make sure it does not leak. Then drain the water.
2. Setup the stand and aquarium in the proper spot where it will reside. In this step I just need to make sure everything is level to avoid unnecessary stress on tank and stand.
3. Modifications before filling
a. Increase flow between sections one and two. Not sure the amount to increase, should I cut about 1/2 inch or how much to have adequate flow?
b. Remove bioballs and all filter equipment that came stock.
c. Remove false floors in sections to create more room.
4. Add live sand. I figure I would buy about 30lbs. Is this a good amount or should I go less or more?
5. Add water (getting a RO/DI system) to fill the tank.
6. Adding heater to section one. Buying a 100 or 150 watt submersible heater.
7. Add live rock after sand settles to main tank and section 2 as fuge. Figuring to get about 40lbs of live rock total. 35ish in front and 5ish in back for fuge in area two. Any recommendations on changing this amount or types? I thought about buying some Fiji rock online.
8. Setup of light cycle I plan on simulated sunrise/sunset with 10hours of total light… 1hr sunrise and sunset with 8 full hours.
9. Cycle tank for min of two weeks (probably more like 4 or so) until zero readings. Adding a cuc once the bloom occurs. Will need some assistance on a recommendation on a cuc (I have some idea by reading other posts).
10. Add Chaeto (spelling) to section two and a oceanic biocube protein skimmer to section 1 after the cycle completes. I am also buying an additional pump for more flow. Right now I am thinking a Koralia 1 and the stock pump.
11. Then I start with some basic corals that I hopefully won’t kill.
