Starting tank tonight need help

[fishlips12]

A few questions here for my new tank that I plan to finally start once I get home.

How much live sand should I put on top of my 4" DSB?

Can I put the sand in in a day or two?

I plan on not turning on the lights to prevent early algae bloom. Which begs the question when do I finally turn them on.?

Should I start running the protein skimmer or also wait.

Thanks so much.


55g
FOWLR
70 pounds lr
4" dsb
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[reefrunner69]

How much live sand should I put on top of my 4" DSB?

Couple of lbs of good live sand with plenty of infauna should do just fine.

Can I put the sand in in a day or two?

Do you mean additiona sand on top of the live sand, or do you mean after the initial set up, put all the sand in?

I plan on not turning on the lights to prevent early algae bloom. Which begs the question when do I finally turn them on.?

You can either turn the lights on for 3-4 hours per day or leave the tank completely unlit. At any rate, you should gradually go to a complete 12 hour cycle (1/2 hour per day) after the cycle/curing is complete and you do a hefty water change.

Should I start running the protein skimmer or also wait.

If your curing LR, I would definitely run the skimmer, there will be an abundance of nutrients, detritus and organics released from the rock your skimmer is your best friend during the curing of LR

[fishlips12]

Thanks .

I mean after the initial setup can I wait to put all of the live sand in?

(Basically I do not have any at the moment)

[reefrunner69]

Yes, you cvan add it a couple days afterward.