Cured live rock retail source and live sand?

[JCT]

Hi all,

Very excited, nice husband decided to spring for a 14G Biocube.

Kept cichlids for many years, husband had a SW fish tank about 20 years ago that he did pretty well with -- recently decided to try a nice cichlid tank again, wandered into an LFS that was mostly SW. I'm sure you can guess the rest. So I've been reading a ton.

Goal is as natural a setup as possible, not a ton of sand, LR, plus basic corals and a fish and shrimp (+CUC). The limitation will be the lights as this has the standard PCs -- if I could track down a 70W sunpod that might be nice, but for now may stay stock. I think I will add a nano pump for circulation and run a refugium + macroalgae in the 2nd chamber. Sort of a training wheels tank .

In any case, better half prefers to buy locally (at least the tank, heater, etc), test kits will likely be mail order once I figure out which brand I want.

I'm hoping he can track down a biocube soon, but in the meantime I wanted to get some initial input regarding a good source for live rock and an opinion regarding live sand so that I can get up and going.

So, finally:

(1) Does anyone have a favorite local source for cured live rock? I'm going to shoot for ~14-18 lbs. Don't mind a little drive, I'm in lower westchester. I think that cured is the way to go, but if I am being overly cautious, open to other suggestions. Also not sure if I should add it all at once or go for a more staged addition, say 10 lbs first, then the rest?

(2) I'm still on the fence re: "live" sand-- not clear if the packaged stuff is worthwhile and again, while the tank won't be barebottom, I want maybe an inch to 1 1/2 inches at best, so I'm not sure whether to just get "regular" stand and let the live rock handle the initial seeding. Or buy regular and add a little of the commercial live sand?

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated, this forum has been very helpful. I remember how tough it was to learn when we first did SW 20 years ago..... the hit and miss with LFS was painful.

Thanks,

JT

 

[albano]

You should be able to find plenty of LR and LS, right here, on the Marketplace. In any event, you don't need to spend extra $ for commercial 'live' sand, you can seed it with LS from someone's tank.

 

[cowfish]

Retail packaged "live sand" is a waste of time. 10lbs of rock should be plenty depending on how dense it is. I think it's rare that any LFS gets in really nice LR. Your best bet is to check the market forum and see what's available. If you don't mind travelling Pet's Warehouse in Copaigue (Nassau County, LI) has some decent rock in stock. Not brimming with life, but nice shapes and a fair price.

 

[skimacka]

...and welcome to MR.

 

[morphiii]

Definitely check out the forum for live rock. As far as sand goes, you can get a bag cheap for like $20. Might speed up the cycling a bit, if you are anxious to get started.

Other wise, you can get regular sand and seed it.

Good luck and welcome to MR.

 

[NL146]

Welcome to MR. You should definitely check out saltwatercritters. They are vendors here.

 

[NYreefNoob]

where at in westchester are you ?

 

[JCT]

Hi guys,

Appreciate the friendly welcome-- I like the idea of seeding regular sand with some from an established tank. And I'm the patient sort, no problem with waiting for a cycle to get going.

I'm being tempted with tank offers from various folks here -- really awesome, very glad I stumbled on this place a few days ago - I'm sort of an uber-planner type and was getting a bit overwhelmed.

Only "problem" is that I browsed Russ' site and saw those Solanas. Sigh.

Actually cowfish, I'm going to be on the island tomorrow-- was actually planning on checking out Pets Warehouse.

Nice to be getting going finally.

JT

 

[Lenny718]

Only "problem" is that I browsed Russ' site and saw those Solanas

You won't be disapointed with Saltwater Critters or the Solana. The Solana is a awesome all in one tank and Saltwater Critters is a top notch vendor and stand behind the products they sell. Welcome to MR the best reefing site on the net

 

[JCT]

Thanks!

Actually the reason I actually stumbled on Manhattan Reefs was in my search for some useful LFS reviews -- I've been like a kid in a candy store the past few days reading the articles and threads. It's also a huge relief to find a group of honest and responsible vendors. Playing hit-or-miss with places that sell me living things makes me nuts.

Some serious angst around here re our evolving tank decisions. Original idea was a 14G Biocube -- straightforwards setup with a few simple mods, figured I would put it on the desk in the bedroom and "get my feet wet" with reefkeeping. Husband suspects I will want to trade up quickly and suggested I consider the 29G Biocube -- and I did something silly and eyeballed the Solanas. Now that I would not want hidden in the bedroom, so will need a stand in the living room.

So now two issues:

1. We are trying to keep maintenance reasonable to share between us as we both travel for work. Can't help but think that will be easier with a 14G.

2. The reason I lean Biocube is that I have been reading about the basic mods for over a month and I am comfortable that I could do some simple things (a refugium in C2, adding a Nano for flow) without breaking the bank. If I am going to spend the extra $$ for an all-in-one, I really don't want to start changing components one by one if I can avoid it. There is less info out there for the Solana, and the few threads I have found seem to be full of modifications. Seems to me if that the initial outlay is higher (and we would be considering the Current T5 light setup) -- I *really* want to keep the fiddling to a minimum.

Frankly, if it was just me I'd consider a non AIO, but better half doesn't want to fuss with a sump.

Guess I have to track down some more *stock* setup threads!

JT

You won't be disapointed with Saltwater Critters or the Solana. The Solana is a awesome all in one tank and Saltwater Critters is a top notch vendor and stand behind the products they sell. Welcome to MR the best reefing site on the net

 

[NYreefNoob]

also pending where ur at in westchester there's a few lfs around, btw where in westchester are you guys

 

[JonnyIce]

in New Rochelle, if R&C is still doing it they have HAD some amazing deco-ish rock in the past, just a matter if they have it in stock.

 

[KathyC]

Welcome to MT JT, you came to the right place

 

[JCT]

Welcome to MT JT, you came to the right place

No doubt about that-- actually going to visit Jim in Ossining tomorrow, looking forward to it.

NYreefNoob -- I'm right on the edge of the Bronx in Pelham. And your avatar is a scream.

Jt

 

[jdnumis]

Make sure when you go there (Pet Warehouse), you see Brad, Les, Andy. They are all friendly and know their stuff.

 

[cjone234]

I honestly question the whole idea of "live sand" sitting on a shelf in a store.
With zero oxygen and all the climate changes in transport, I find it hard to believe it's chock full o' anything. I'd rather go to Jones Beach with a bucket. Hey, has anyone done that?

 

[reefs4life]

You know a bigger tank is easier to keep than a smaller tank...you should reconsider the biocube. And whenever your ready to start with livestock, you're welcome to pick up some free frags

 

[JCT]

OK, many decisions made -- with help from the folks here and some hand-holding from Jim & Russ at saltwatercritters . I now have some more questions that I will post in a more specific thread, but we are now going with the Solana 34G + the Current USA T5HO 20". Order placed and RO/DI unit being delivered today (always wanted one of those for my darkroom anyway...).

Our last salt tank many years ago was a 30 gallon. I think that if this was only my decision we would go with a 40G breeder + sump, but hey -- the space where our original 55 gal cichlid tank once stood is still open in the side room. Maybe eventually....:tongue1:

And thanks for the frag offer reefs4life, such nice guys here!

JT

Oh and I did go by Pets Warehouse over the weekend-- they seem to be redesigning the whole store, lots of stuff being dismantled, so I'm looking forward to going back at some point.