New to salt water and I need help

[DRSHARE]

We just decided to switch from fresh water to salt water today. We started by emptying our 55 gallon fresh water tank and cleaning it out. Then added live sand and water w/salt of course. Here are my questions.......
When should we fire up the filter?
How long does it usually take for the tank to clear?

[dviper150]

You should start the filter right now. You should also add some live rock or dry rock to the system at this point so it can cure and help with the cycle. The tank will clear up by itself in a week or so. Don't rush or add any livestock to the tank while it is cycling. Let the cycle complete and then add fish slowly. Its also a good idea to add a protein skimmer.

[iap]

Add some mashed up fresh shrimp in a panty hose and hang it in the tank to provide the tank with an ammonia source and wait for the cycle to complete.

[iap]

Also you don't really need a filter.. just add live/dry rock to the tank and a Skimmer.

[DRSHARE]

Thank you for your replies, we were planning on picking up the skimmer today but I started the filter and I have live sand in it now and will be picking up live rock as well.

[namxas]

Since you still haven't picked out your LR, now is a great time to consider your stocking list, as you can plan your aquascaping accordingly and get the right shapes. That way, you won't have an aquascaping that looks like a "pile of rocks".

Many preds such as Scorpaeniformes appreciate caves and overhangs while others are active swimmers and require a more open 'scaping. I also make use of live macro algae in the DT, as it looks nice, adds motion, and is a great aid in nutrient export.

HTH