HELP! Setting up a Quick QT/Frag tank

T

tikigod

I want to set up, today, a 5.5 gallon tank I have as a QT tank. I have a filter (HOB), heater, 13w Actinic Catalina light and about a half inch of black/white sand (not live). I was going to add about 1/2 gallon of tank water, a scoop of live sand from my reef and fill the rest off w/ new saltwater. Will that work? Will it cycle? I need to get some frags in there ASAP. Suggestions? As my wife says "I'm working with a budget here people"...so I want to use existing equipment I have. Will this be enough to get those corals in tonite (after running about 8 hours or so)? The corals I want to move in there are: a large frag of Encrusting Gorgonian, GSP, Xenia, Misc. Zoas (to grow out), Pink Carnation frag, and some shrooms.

I also wanted to add a fish (Goby) to this at some point.....but am going with a shrimp and some inverts.

Thanks in advance. Derek :mrgreen:
 
The one thing with salt water hobby is that you cant rush into putting the corals into your tank. It will die out of stress. So keep your water running several days. then start adding in live rock and then just at in expensive corals to see if your water is healthy enough you to add other expensive corals. Just take your time
 
You leave so many questions that need to be answered before you can reply.

Rule 1 - Nothing happens fast.

You can't expect a tank to cycle in hours... especially with dead sand in it. The ammonia spike from a new set up would instantly make your tank toxic. We're talking hours to clear up if you were moving a known good setup into a new tank. Please... for your own good, drop the idea of setting up your tank in a matter of hours.

Can things exist in a recycled tank 8hrs after setup? SURE! but only hardy life, and even then they are going to pay the price for your rush. Be sure to keep your coral in mind. You are the keeper of a diminishing resource.

Help us understand why you were in such a rush. Most of us have experienced a crash, crack, or simple lust of more space... Help us understand the drama of needing to get a tank up so quickly
 
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