Saltwater Beginner Questions

[Doak6021]

I have done a lot of reading and exploring in the saltwater world and have a lot of specific questions that I would like answered by people with experience.

Live Rock
-How many pounds per gallon?
-I understand it is live but how long does it take to start working/filtering?
-How can live sand help out/substitute for the live rock?
-Is live rock used in SUMPs just for extra filtering?

Cycling
-How similiar is a fishless cycle for saltwater compared to freshwater?
-Does the live rock have to cure/grow before I start cycling?
-Or can i start cycling once everything is up, running and the live rock has been put in?

Waterflow
I have read that adequate water displacement is needed for live rock.
-Doesn't this disturb the fish?
-Do I have to set this up in order to create a current effect?

Bioballs
-Can they be used in saltwater tanks?
-If so, they should be placed in the SUMP...right?

Powerheads
-If I use powerheads to move the water around, they can also be the pump that pulls water from the SUMP?
-Or do I have to pump the water to my tank with a pump and use the powerhead strictly for water displacement?

Wow that was a lot.

[kaybee]

Live Rock
-How many pounds per gallon?

Typically 1-2lbs per gallon. Highly-porous/low density pieces are recommended.

I understand it is live but how long does it take to start working/filtering?

If the live rock it cured then nearly immediately, depending on the prospective bioload of the tank. If the live rock is uncured, then after the curing process.

How can live sand help out/substitute for the live rock?

Live sand supplements or adds to the biofiltration and bio-diversity of the tank. The sand doesn't have to be 'live' when added if live rock is used in the set up. A deep sand bed (3"+ in depth) will assist in providing complete denitrification in the tank. Sand isn't necessary though, and in many circles bare bottom tanks are quite popular.

Is live rock used in SUMPs just for extra filtering?
Yes

Does the live rock have to cure/grow before I start cycling?

Uncured live rock is typically used in tanks that are still cycling. In that sense, uncured live rock help facilitate the cycling process. One would not want to add uncured live rock into a fully cycled tank due to the die-off occuring on the rock.

Waterflow
I have read that adequate water displacement is needed for live rock.
-Doesn't this disturb the fish?
-Do I have to set this up in order to create a current effect?

Water flow is required to eliminate dead spots, disperse detritus from settling on live rock and to fulfill the needs of many corals.

There are many ways to create water flow (return feeds, powerheads, etc). Random currents are often recommended.

Bioballs
-Can they be used in saltwater tanks?
-If so, they should be placed in the SUMP...right?

Yes, and yes. However, bioballs are viewed as 'nitrate factories' and in many cases low-micron filter socks, live rock, remote deep sand beds, and micro algae are preferred.

Powerheads
-If I use powerheads to move the water around, they can also be the pump that pulls water from the SUMP?
-Or do I have to pump the water to my tank with a pump and use the powerhead strictly for water displacement?

The return pump is positioned in the sump. Powerheads (and return plumbing from the return pump) are placed in the display tank.

[Kuli_Loach]

Live Rock
-How many pounds per gallon?Standard rule of thumb is 1 lb per gallon of water. I actually prefer 1 3/4 lbs per gallon
-I understand it is live but how long does it take to start working/filtering?You cycle your tank with it but it always works the same, just in the beginning you have some die off and such.
-How can live sand help out/substitute for the live rock?It helps out because it has the living organisms in it just like the live rock. It isn't a substitute.
-Is live rock used in SUMPs just for extra filtering?Yes and no, LR should always be used because it provides more things than filtration

Cycling
-How similiar is a fishless cycle for saltwater compared to freshwater?Similar in the same you have the bacteria and all but w/ s/w all you need to do is put the rock in and wait until your paramounts are zero
-Does the live rock have to cure/grow before I start cycling?The Live rock does your cycle
-Or can i start cycling once everything is up, running and the live rock has been put in?You cycle w/ liverock

Waterflow
I have read that adequate water displacement is needed for live rock.
-Doesn't this disturb the fish?The ocean/gulf/sea has a lot of water movement thus a lot of O2 in the water and the fish have evolved to live in those conditions (most of them)
-Do I have to set this up in order to create a current effect?Just use powerheads, Maxijets are the best for the price but the Hydro's are the best (brand starts w/ a K)

Bioballs
-Can they be used in saltwater tanks?I have always heard never to use bioballs in a s/w aquarium
-If so, they should be placed in the SUMP...right?Again same as above but if they are used, then they should be used in the areas in the sump yes

Powerheads
-If I use powerheads to move the water around, they can also be the pump that pulls water from the SUMP?NO you need a water pump for that
-Or do I have to pump the water to my tank with a pump and use the powerhead strictly for water displacement?Powerheads are used for water movement only and can not be used as pumps. A waterpump is for what you are talking about.

[cocoa_pleco]

I have done a lot of reading and exploring in the saltwater world and have a lot of specific questions that I would like answered by people with experience.

Live Rock
-How many pounds per gallon?
I like to go 4lbs/g, most people say 2lbs/g
-I understand it is live but how long does it take to start working/filtering?
once it is cured, it will filter
-How can live sand help out/substitute for the live rock?
it has live organisms, but cannot replace live rock
-Is live rock used in SUMPs just for extra filtering?
some people use LR rubble

Cycling
-How similiar is a fishless cycle for saltwater compared to freshwater?
the LR will die off, and produce ammonia, causing the cycle
-Does the live rock have to cure/grow before I start cycling?
it will be cured at first, then die off
-Or can i start cycling once everything is up, running and the live rock has been put in?

Waterflow
I have read that adequate water displacement is needed for live rock.
-Doesn't this disturb the fish?
nope, its natural and they dont care
-Do I have to set this up in order to create a current effect?
yes, LR and corals need flow

Bioballs
-Can they be used in saltwater tanks?
yep, but it sometimes is not recommended
-If so, they should be placed in the SUMP...right?
yep

Powerheads
-If I use powerheads to move the water around, they can also be the pump that pulls water from the SUMP?
yep, the sump pump provides a little flow, but you will need more
-Or do I have to pump the water to my tank with a pump and use the powerhead strictly for water displacement?
powerhead should be aimed at LR and corals

Wow that was a lot.
__________________

[Kuli_Loach]

I personally use uncured LR from Sea Life Inc for all the hitch hikers but you take a risk of getting bad stuff and you have more die off so a longer cycle but you get more on the rock.