walter

I have a 75G tank, 30G sump and I got 1 13lb rock. So I guess at 1-1.5lbs per G (which I assume is for the main tank only) I need about 60-100lbs.

Ok. So I marked my sumps water line 2 days ago (23st). Today I checked the level and its 1" lower than it was. Based on the sumps tank size I lost about 1.5 G. Is that right? I have to top it off 1.5 G every 2 days? I dont even have a heater in it yet. My house temp is set to 75F. I plan on having the tank at 78F. I did notice that there was a salt coating on some of the fixtures (cords, pvc, etc) under the stand which I guess is because of evaporation. I guess the level will change once I get more rocks. Which leads me to my next question. Where can a fellow like myself get some not so expensive rock. Doesnt have to be live, but SW friendly. I guess like base rock or dead rock. Next question. In case of evaporation I just replenish with regular water (treated) instead of salt water right? I guess thats all for now. Oh and just in case someone asks, No there are no leaks.

Woodbridge here. Well actually Dumfries (South Bridge) here. If anyone is in the area, Im behind the Wal-Mart off of Rt1

Yes I have. Skimmer and all. running. Ill probably have to go with all base rock for now and let that eventually cultivate into live rock. LR is too expensive for me right now.

Are those ok to get now though? What will they clean up if there is only a lonely rock in the tank?

PM sent. BTW here is a picture of my tank So let me understand this. No fish for 3-4 weeks. If i introduce live sand then how can bacteria feed on ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate if there is nothing in the tank? Clean up crew? What do you recommend I get. I look around online and notice that some places sell algae attack packs or Star cleanup packs. A list would be helpful. These would be ok for right away? then after 3-4 weeks of good levels I could add fish?

Cool. I was about to purchase a 5 pound bag of live sand to get started, but this may be a good thing to do also. Lets talk and let me know what I need to do.

Thanks. I actually dont have any of the instructions. I bought the entire setup from someone on CL. I know the brand name of the skimmer is phoenix or something similar. Ill have to look again. I had been looking at several sites and they said the same thing. So it will be a quick minute before I get more rocks and maybe 1 week before I get some fish.

Hey all just started my tank about several days ago. So far I got the gravity to 1.023. Waiting to get some heaters to go from 74-75 to about 78F. One have 1 base rock. Its so lonely. levels are good. Only major problem is that skimmer is producing micro bubbles so water looks cloudy. Suggestions? Also looking at ways to cycle the tank. I heard things from fishless (ammonia) cycling to just add a piece of fish food (and raw shrimp too :X )....Someone scolded me for suggesting i cycle with a live fish. Any tips?