Info on starting a saltwater tank

[ErinF90]

Hi everyone! I am looking into starting a saltwater tank, maybe a 46 gallon bow front reef. I have 90 gallon planted, 46 gallon and 10 gallon planted freshwater tanks and now have the itch to go salt. I don't quite understand how to do PWC. I know I need to use RO +/- DI water but do I just add it then check the salinity and add salt if necessary? I want to just do an HOB filter instead of a sump, so can just add to sump. Also if I cycle with shrimp (we don't have pure ammonia up here in the great white north) do I put the live sand and rock then cycle or is the high ammonia bad for the sand and rock because they are live. Can they be added after I cycle? I want to be well informed before I even think of starting. I made the mistake of getting into freshwater when I knew NOTHING and the good people here at AA were a great help. Don't want to make that mistake again!

 

[jjamontan]

For PWC you will always pre mix your salt and RODI water to match your S/G. You will also want to cycle your tank with your rock and sand in the tank. Your live rock will help the cycle the tank.

 

[ErinF90]

Thank you for clarifying! I know these sound like dumb questions but I have to start somewhere.

 

[jjamontan]

Not dumb at all that's why we ask. There is tons of information out there you just got to find it. Great articles here in A/A, YouTube can also be your best friend thru this. There is a good series made by BRS on YouTube called how to start a saltwater aquarium. Lots of helpful info.