How to Set Up a Reef Aquarium Using Live Sand
- 1). Set the aquarium up with all the pumps and dry goods that will be used.
- 2). Fill the tank with water.
- 3). Add salt to the tank at a ration of 1 cup for every 2 gallons of water. This will bring your specific gravity to a level of 1.023--this can be adjusted up or down later depending on your preference.
- 4). Let the tank run so that the salt is thoroughly mixed into the water. This varies from tank to tank depending on flow, so let it mix for 1 hour to be on the safe side.
- 5). Remove 1/10 of the water to lower the level of the tank enough that when the sand is added, it will not overflow the aquarium.
- 6). Add the sand directly to the tank spreading it evenly across the bottom. You can now add any live or base rock to the tank as well. Again, making sure that enough water has been removed so that the tank does not overflow.
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