Just starting...adding the water

[mpovell]

Just a quick question regarding the initial water going into the tank. I have a 100 gallon IM with a 57 gallon sump. It's going to take me some time to fill both as I make RODI water and mix the salt in three Brute trash cans. My question is, how do I ensure salinity stays stable for the water that I have put in the tank already, while I'm making more RODI and mixing additional salt? Is it the same concept as when I have a full tank? I should top off with RODI? Should I mark off with tape the height of the water each time I add water and then top off with fresh RODI each day? Sorry if this is a really beginner question. I just want to make sure I'm setting the tank up for success. Thanks in advance for your responses!

-Marc

 

[MadReefer]

I added all my RODI water to the display tank then calculated how much salt I need, I went a little under the ratio to be safe. Added heaters and circulating pumps all mixed in a day or two and was good to go. Then I mixed the water for my sump in buckets and had to add manually. Good luck.

 

[mpovell]

I added all my RODI water to the display tank then calculated how much salt I need, I went a little under the ratio to be safe. Added heaters and circulating pumps all mixed in a day or two and was good to go. Then I mixed the water for my sump in buckets and had to add manually. Good luck.

If using live sand, wouldn't that "burn" the organisms by adding the salt directly to the tank?

 

[DEL]

I too did water first, took about 2 days, then added salt. Then once salinity was perfect, added sand. Tank will be cloudy for a few days but shouldn't matter since no livestock in it.

 

[MadReefer]

If using live sand, wouldn't that "burn" the organisms by adding the salt directly to the tank?

As Del said add sand after the salinity is correct.