Live Sand/Dead Sand?

[petem]

Just got back from my LFS and I'm so livid! They are selling 20lbs of live sand for $35bucks??? Is it possible to buy some live sand and some regular sand(that's cheaper) to build up my sand bed? I'm also planning on having some live rock and some base rock. What do you think?
Another question about lighting. Here, I'm planning a FOWLR tank and they're telling me,(LFS), that it's okay to have coral and inverts with what they call "marine glow" and/or "Coral glow" fluorescent lights. I was under the impression that you need heavy duty lighting in order to keep corals? What gives? You know I only trust you people on this forum. Whew!!!
Serenity Now!!!!

 

[luvnluk]

35$ is actually not bad for bagged LS, at least from my experience. You can mix live sand and dead sand to establish your DSB. Do a search on this - I got a great deal of helpful info that way when I was in your shoes!

 

[karajay]

Yes, you can use regular aragonite sand with your LS.
I'm not familiar with the lights you mentioned. But rocks, fish and inverts like crabs, shrimp, snails, featherdusters do not need upgraded lighting. Regular NO flourescent is fine for a FOWLR. For corals, it would depend on what you want to keep.

 

[wakeskater]

live sand ontop of ded sand will eventualy spread and this is a good choich at a 72g tank it will work out well. im not to sure about the rock but from what i have heard from my friend that is fine.where i live the sand is only 25