Originally Posted by slowpoe
I have a 20 gal tank with 20 lbs live sand. I tested my tap water and it tested fine so i filled my tank and put in my salt then i tested the water in the tank my hardness is over 425 ppm and my alkalinity is over 300 ppm but when i test my tap water it tests find. My Ph is currently about a 7.7 what do i do? can i add fish any ways i have emptied my tank 3 times i have even added 8 gal of spring RO water.
have you added any sort of conditioner? tap water should not test fine, and when you say test fine, you tested for chlorine and other minerals in the water? that water is extremely hard, and i believe issue of high alk. your tank is no where near being ready for fish, if you have not added any fish, drain it, fill it up with premixed saltwater using RO water, turn on filtration after your dust settles, and throw in a shrimp from the grocery store and kickstart a cycle. it will be a minimum of 2-3 weeks before your tank is ready.... once you see your levels spike up take out the shrimp and let it cycle, once your levels stabilize at 0, or atleast everything else is 0 with nitrates at 20 or less throw in your cleaner crew, and let them get to work, after you see your nitrates go down and you have waited at least 1 week and a half then add one fish at a time with at least 3 week intervals to let your bioload catch up...
footnote: the shrimp will kickstart a cycle, but id recommend using Live rock, it is beneficial to your tank and will help with bio-filtration, decoration, and cover for your fish.
