What should I use ???

[IndianMaidn]

Hi,

I am just starting a 30 gal. salt aquarium (FOWLR). I will cycling with live rock. 2 questions. . . . . .
I will start with approx. 35 lbs. of live rock, live sand. Could I add the dry rock to the live rock at this point in hopes that that live rock will seed the dry or should I wait.
I will be starting off with an Aqua-Tech 30/60 power filter. It has the two slots for the bio filter and a carbon cartridge. Should I use the bio filer ? the carbon cartridge ? both ? or does someone have a better suggestion. I hope to be able to get a better filter by the time all the rock is cycled.
I will also be running a skimmer and a hydor Koralia 2 for water movement.
Thanks for advance for all your help.

[leebca]

First, thanks for posting. One down side to such a post is that there are several subjects in just the one post. I want to provide the most and best information to you, but writing it all out here would take up a lot of time. So I want to send you to read other posts so you get a better understanding. Some of those posts you may have already come across, so read them again for answers.

First you want to get a good overview of starting a marine aquarium. Read through this post:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Next, you have a question about live rock 'seeding' non-live rock. This shows you don't really understand the different functions of live rock. So now I would like you to read this:
What is Live Rock, Anyway?

In general, you don't want to add live rock in segments. You want to start out with all the live rock you want to have. This may mean you have to wait, save up more money, then buy more rock before going any further. This will be explained more in that reference.

Your last question has to do with setup and equipment, and the types of systems. Again, we have another post that will take you through what's important and things to consider:
What is Water Quality.

Lastly, remember that the size of the aquarium you're starting isn't very good for marine fishes. If you really want to get into marine fishes, you'll need to think bigger. But that size aquarium I would make into a reef tank with maybe just one fish. To get a better perspective on stocking I would like you to read this post too:
Fish Stocking Limit - for FO and FOWLR

In the posts I've linked above, you'll find links to other posts that will take you through other considerations, ideas, and information that's been gathered by many decades of experience and education on ornamental marine fish care.

We're here to help, so don't hesitate to start any thread with a single topic for discussion or to get answers.

Good luck!

[IndianMaidn]

Thanks again. I read all thoses posts, plus more ! I've been reading here for almost two weeks. The more I read the more confused I get at times. I intend to add all the rock at the same time, just didn't know if I should give the live rock a few days to get a head start. The filter thing has me real confused, I know many people have different ideas and preferences. I don't intend on keeping many fish in this tank, I hope to upgrade real soon, but I was thinking maybe 2 fish in this tank with the clean up crew.

[leebca]

If the adult total length of those two fishes are no more than 5 inches, then that should be a good goal. Acquire fish so their final size will fit the system, not the size they are when you acquire them.