New tank
 

hey im completly new to this all together... i just bought a 20 gallon tank. Im going to make it salt water.. with live rocks. Im just wondering before i set everything up, do i fill the tank up and put the salt mixture in it right when i put the water in, or do i let the water filter for a week then put the salt mixture in?


Probably stupid questions haha but i have no idea.

I think you put it in straight away ... but I'm probably wrong lol !!!

hahahaa oh goodness!

I take it I'm wrong lol

no clue lol

Lol, sorry shipleyk90, maybe ask some kind of moderator???

the only way you can put the salt directly into your tank is if NOTHING else is in the tank, including ( but not limited to ) any sand, rock, livestock and so on. if your tank is completly empty, you can use it to mix your first batch of saltwater. you will want a powerhead and heater in the tank as the saltwater is mixing.
if the tank is NOT empty ( or for future water changes ) mix all saltwater in a seperate tank, bucket, food safe container/tuberware atleast 24 hours in advance.
check ebay for a refractometer, you can get one for alittle more then the price of a hydrometer and it is way more accurate to check salinity.
keep in mind the smaller the tank the more difficult it can be to keep stable. i dont wish to scare you into not doing this tank, but keep that in mind. if you stay ontop of things there shouldnt be a reason this tank cant happen. i suggest reading everything saltwater related prior to jumping into things. ask questions and even look in your area for any local reefing clubs ( you can do a google search )