Live Rock and filter recomendation....

[peddler]

Hi,
I'm getting ready to start setting up my new 90g tank which i'm planning to be a FOWLR I plan to use 100#'s of Southdown play sand for my base with 80#'s of "Natures Ocean" live sand. Does that sound ok?
My question is how much live rock should I use ?
Also looking for recomendations on a filter was considering a Fluidized bed, has anyone used these?
I do plan on getting a skimmer and UV filter as well.

 

[seatank]

sand sounds ok you will need about 90-100 lb's of live rock or 50% live rock and 50% base rock.yoou dont need this much but it looks great and also acts as a naturial bio filtration. i know a person who does not use a machanichle filter.

 

[flydan]

Hey,
General rule of thumb is 1 to 11/2 lbs of lr per gal of tank. As mentioned, this can be base rock with lr on top. Base rock will become lr over time.
Filters are a touchy subject. In my opinion, get a good skimmer and skip the UV filter for a reef tank.
Good luck with your project.
Dan'l

 

[peddler]

Thanks Flying Fish and Dan for your responses, was really hoping I might cut back on my LR requirements with a DSB with 80#'s of LS, trying to save on LR cost's but don't want to be foolish either!

 

[pegboy]

The amount of live rock depends on what type of set-up you want. You say fish only, are you looking towards larger aggressive fish? If so, you don't need as much live rock as you would for a reef tank (some people don't us any at all), so depending on what you plan to put in the tank it may not be necessary.