Southdown Tropical Playsand

[hnf2k]

NOBODY BUY IT! IT'S HORRIBLE AND WILL MESS UP YOUR WHOLE TANK!
i was advised to buy this buy many users, and it has caused nothing but trouble. i have 2 groupers in my tank and from them swimming, they have kicked up sand, and i cant even see in. WHAT CAN I DO?!?
has anybody else ever had this problem?!?

 

[steamboat1569]

From reading your past posts, the only thing that you have listened to people on this board about is buying the southdown.
People told you not to buy groupers, but your lfs said to.
This is the same lfs that told you to put the salt in your tank under the dsb.
I see a pattern forming here.
Your tank is brand new, for God's sake. What are you thinking?
This may sound like a flame, but you disregarded the sharks and people on this board. They gave you sound advise, but you chose to ignore it. One of the sharks told you that the sand would get kicked up every now and then, until the bacteria bonded to it.
Why, oh, why, did you put groupers in a brand new tank. According to your post, the lfs told you it was ok, and the people here said don't do it.
My friend, take the groupers back to the lfs if they survive, and cycle with some fish food.
OK, I feel better now.

 

[hnf2k]

a few people told me not to do groupers, but then 2 people wrote to me saying that it is ok too. they said they wouldnt post it becuase people go nuts on here about cycling with live fish. and how long is it supposed to take for the bacteria to bond to it? i have 200 pounds of rock, 40 pounds of live sand, and 250 pounds of southdown. it is just aggravating...im not deliberately going against everyone. but this isn't just my tank. my mom is helping with it also(financially in the beginning). im only 18. she doesnt check the message boards, she listens to people. and shoe doesnt think im experienced or know what im talking about so when i say put in raw shrimp, and my uncle(who used to set up tanks) says put in damsels. then the guy at the lfs says i will need a lot of damsels for a tank my size so he says if i dont plan on doing community that i should do groupers, and she says ok. and then they start picking out ones to go in my tank. as an 18 year old kid when my mom buys me groupers and she wont listen to me about doing raw shrimp, because nobody she spoke to said to, i have little to no choice.
its just that i goto pet stores and they all seem to say do it with fish, and people i can talk to say do it with fish, then everyone here says do it with raw shrimp.

 

[steamboat1569]

I myself cycled with damsels. That was 5 yrs ago. and they all survived. Times have changed and we now have a "save the damsel" club. It does't matter to me which way. Is it your mom that is payrolling this tank? If so, I'm sorry for my post, but will direct it at your mom. Ask her if she learned anything. It takes a lot of time and patients. I know that you guys don't know any of us, but common sense goes a long way.
Now, the reason your tank is cloudy is because you put in some big, active fish in. It would make sense that you and your mother have both been led astray by the lfs, and possibly your ucle.
Do you have any say in what happens to this tank?

 

[dsa_mom]

Hey, I was just wondering HNF2K, if you ever got your salinity straightened out with that putting the salt under the sand routine. Did the guys who set up your tank ever give you a good reason for doing it that way? Seems like you are frustrated with your SW experience, I hope things improve for you and your tank!

 

[hnf2k]

what the guy at the fish store said to her which kinda sold her was "you cant put 3 different peoples opinions into one tank."
that kinda sold her to him. she isnt good with computers so she wont be on here. i told her everything everyone said, she said that she wanted to see what the guy at the store said. i got the salt straightened out a while ago. they said that it doesnt matter where you put it. and yes my mom is financing the whole thing in the beginning.
all 3 groupers are going to be going back, and raw shrimp will be taking their place. im sick of her listening to them and not to me(by me i mean what you guys tell me). how many raw shrimp do i need for a 180 gallon tank?

 

[steamboat1569]

How bout a compromise. You work the computer, and she read. You can type for her if she wishes.
Some kind of compromise will need to take place or you and your mother are going to throw a lot of money down the tube.
Don't let the frustration get to you. You have time to talk with her while the tank is cycling. Don't get mad with her, stay calm, and try to reason. You are 18, and the way you are talking, you are willing to take some responsibility. I admire that.
Like I said, take your time and enjoy this rather than be frustrated. Many here are glad to help, and would like to talk to your mother, also.
Yes, 3 peoples oppinion can go in one tank, if it is for the benefit of the tank. Use common sense, it will guide you pretty well.

 

[javatech]

Sounds like you need to try and find a new store sounds like they just want to make a sale. are there any other shops that you can go to.
and like everyone says it takes a lot of time and then some to do it right.good luck with your mom and with your LFS

 

[hnf2k]

ive been to a lot of fish stores near by. i went to 1 store they tried to sell me a man made wet/dry filter for 600 dollars. it had 2 filter bags attached to 2 inlet pvc tubes, and a sump. thats it. so i ruled that store out. then ***** told me to cycle with 4 damsels, in my 180 gallon. and to wait 6 months before putting another fish in. so they are out. then there is this store, which you guys say is out. then there is another store a little further out that told me i can put a puffer in within 3 days if i want, so they are out. guess you guys are gonna be my lfs...hehe.

 

[bang guy]

Over the years of your Saltwater hobby you will find MANY uses for each of the fish stores you listed.
Advice will not be one of them.