newbie live sand question...

[musipilot]

Hi all. Love the info on this board.
I'm getting my 90 gal going, and I'm ready to add the sand. I'm planning on going with a combination of live argonite and "dead" argonite to make up the bottom. Any suggestions on how much I'll need? Planning an invert/reef tank with minimal fish population. Thanks.

 

[predator]

Well, I would go with a 4in dsb(deep sand bed). Place your lS over the dead. But if thats not in your budget, try and shoot for at least as many lb's as you have gallons.

 

[aj77]

If you search threads with DSB in the name, you'll get some great info, as I did. I was told to avoid the "danger zone" in-between depths (go shallow or deep).
For calculating sand volume, the following formula was offered by a member here:
L" x W" x DSB depth" x .0579 = lbs. sand needed
If your 90gal is like mine, that works out to:
48" x 18" x 5" x .0579 = 250 lbs. for a 5" DSB.
I know the costs pile up; our local water is high in calcium carbonate and pH, among other things. I'm getting some sandblasting sand @ $7. per 100#. Saving a bundle.
For "live-ness" I'm going to spring for the best live rock I can afford, and let the critters migrate. Check out <a href="http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm" target="_blank">http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm</a> for more detailed information on setting up your DSB.
Hope this helps.
AJ

 

[chevron tang]

i would go with at least a lb per gallon and you can mix the two together. i did about 3/4 ls and 1/4 ds.