Steps in Starting a Marine Tank

Starting a Marine Tank? Here’s how:

1. Put the water to the tank (RO better) then put some saltmix to achieve proper salinity. Make sure you aerate the water and let the pump run for at least 3 days to properly dissolve the salt.
2. Add live rocks then add sand.  Live rocks go in the tank first then sand so that the LR does not tumble over.
3. Siphon any dirt if you see them so they don’t contribute to nitrates in your tank.  It is normal to experience nitrate spikes because of some die off in the live rocks.
4. Turn on the power head to promote circulation.  This is also the best time to put some dead shrimps to start cycling.
5. After 6-8 weeks, start measuring the water for some Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate.  When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 and the nitrate is around 20mg, you can do 20-30% water change.
6. Start stocking your tank.  Make sure you know the requirements of the tank inhabitant first before putting them in to your aquarium.