Starting Saltwater

[nathanp0515]

Hi. I am planning to start a saltwater fish tank. I am getting a 50 gal tank for my birthday on may 15. I am planning on a FO. It will have a dsb, about 3 inches (mabey four) Can you mix live and regular sand? I will also get a RO unit(the cheapest one). Whisper power filter. What and how many fish should I get for a cleanup crew? Does it matter what type of lighting you have for live rock?

 

[reefnut]

It will have a dsb, about 3 inches (mabey four)
To have a DSB you need 4 or more inches.
Can you mix live and regular sand?
Yep, You can use regular sand for the bulk and then put live sand on top.
I will also get a RO unit(the cheapest one).
Good choice.
What and how many fish should I get for a cleanup crew?
First the cycle, read up on tank cycling. It will be around 4-weeks or better before your ready for a clean up crew or any fish.
Does it matter what type of lighting you have for live rock?
Normal output lighting (the kind that usually comes with the tank) is fine for a FO system.