need help.. seting up new tank

[saltwaternut]

I justalked to my LFS about the sand i am going to use in my tank
I am going to go with #1 sand. I have a 200 gallon tank 96x24x24. the LFS told me I need a planter system for under the sand bed. they told me it is about $200.oo for it. and the sand is put on top of it. can some tell me what this is and if i really need it.. thanks for taking your time to read my post

 

[slick]

Your lfs just gave you bad advice. IMO If you want to set up a nice well established tank then this is what you should/could do. You want a DSB (Deep Sand Bed) 4-6 inches of sugar sized agronite sand. This would be what most people will recommend. Try doing a search on DSB's and read. There is a ton of info on them.

 

[hookedonreefs]

I agree with slick. Even though I don't have alot of experience, I've read many reviews of DSBs and plenum setups. The DSB is more natural, less expensive, and takes almost no energy to complete. The verdict on the plenum is so/so. I've read lots of people who tore down their plenum system for a dsb. That's MO. Definately do more research than your lfs.

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

try this -
Fill your tank 3/4 will salt water, get the temp and salinity right!!
Get about an 8" piece of 1/4" plastic tubing (about $2.00)
Get a plastic screen for windows (about $6.00)
Put about 1/4" of play sand at the bottom of the tank.
Place cut pieces of the tubing across the sand and place the screen on the tubing.
Cover the screen with 2" of play sand
cover the 2" of play sand with SWF Live Sand (full of critters!!)
Add Live Rock as needed ( your biofilter is the Deep Sand bed with an anerobic bottom (the screen area where critters can't get to) which will keep your nitrates close to 0.
Get a protien skimmer rated for your tank size and some power heads and your done!