Sand and Live Rocks

[Brad Moehl]

Howdy

One gentalman tells me to get fourty pounds of starile play sand and add live sand. While another guy tells me to get coarse sand bits of shells and stuff, says that the courser the particles the better the bacteria. Third fella says to get what is attractive to you, all the same sort don't worry about layers or anything. I have also been told that if I'm useing live sand I don't need to worry about live rock right of and to wait an dbuild with coral. I relize this is a slow process and am good with that, but I would like to make the right moves along the way. I will buy sand rock or something this week and would like to make the best choice.

Thanks
Brad

 

[DougBak]

Brad,

Check out the first message in this forum, Subj: New Reefkeepers Forum: Reefs.org's Guide to Information

There are links there that explain a LOT about starting a tank.

IMHO, you'll want to put the live sand and LR in the tank at the same time to get the cycle going. It's up to you as to whether you want to go BB (bare-bottom) or DSB (deep sand bed). I'm running a DSB, and the tank's been up and running for almost 4 years.

Find as much info online in the library, this forum, and archived messages as you can stand to read. It's a lot of work, but considering the lives of the inhabitants, as well as the money you'll be spending, it's well worth the time up front to educate yourself as well as you can.

Doug