Making Salt Water - sand bottom filtration kind of thing question

[akvino]

Where to buy, where to find, where to look, how to make, distilled water without cooper or nitrate accelerated levels.
What sand to put on the bottom for best bacteria water filtration/nitrate reduction type of thing?
And Ya - still a newbie.

 

[dmjordan]

Check your local fish stores to see if they carry live sand. If your local fish stores don't carry it you can buy it on line. The carib sea arag-alive is usually around $25.00 for a 20 lbs bag or you can get the real live sand for about $2.00 per lbs.
R/O water is going to be the best type of water to use in your tank. You can buy it from walmart by the gallon or you can buy an R/O unit and make it yourself. Any water you use (in my opinion) should be tested for nitrates and ammonia at the very least.
A deep sand bed 4" or more is good for reducing nitrates. A sand bed does not replace the need of a good filter though.
Welcome to the boards.