[Aslmx]

Is it safe to go ahead and get my tank and substrate wet and plant later when funds are better? Just tired of looking at an empty tank with rocks and drift wood.

 

[dukydaf]

Depends,

What substrate do you have ? Is the filter available ? What do you plan to do after you add water ?

My suggestion is to post in a subforum suitable for your location and ask for plant donations. Most of us have excess cuts that will happily donate or sell very cheap.

 

[ichy]

Sure why not?

It's just easier/convenient to plant without a full tank.

 

[manfjourde]

I would so your filter can get going and cycling

 

[Aslmx]

It's a Fluval spec v with Eco complete, sand, a couple of sand stones and drift wood. It has the stock filter.

 

[ichy]

dump some tetra safe start in it, stock with fish. enjoy.

 

[theatermusic87]

No reason not to, it lets everything start to settle in and you can get a cycle going. When it comes time to plant, just draw the water down to make it easier and you'll be fine. I would however avoid keeping the lights on for extended periods of time

 

[Aslmx]

dump some tetra safe start in it, stock with fish. enjoy.

I'll look into this. I used api quick start on my reef and it's been running 2 years.

 

[ichy]

if adding water, dechlorinate 24 hours before adding the SafeStart.

I filled my 50 gallon yesterday and dechlorinated.
I dumped in SafeStart about an hour before heading to the LFS today. Bought 6 angels and so far they are happy as clams. I got a nitrite rise after about 4 hours so they are working.