Starting up reef tank

[gc1962]

Ok I am in the process of starting up a reef tank and was just wanting to know what the cheaper route would be as for the sand. I want a deep sand bed and was wanting to know if I could just purchace 90 percent of dry sand and the other 10 percent live sand to seed the sand. Also if so what is a good dry sand to use (inexpensive). Lastly I am starting up a 90-gallon tank, how much sand will it take to give me a 4" sand bed. When starting this tank up and I start stacking my rock is it nessesary to place the bottom layer of rocks on the bottom of the glass itself or just start stacking them on top of the sand. Sorry for all the questions but I just want to eliminate future problems first.

 

[sinner's g]

yes, you can start with dry, then add some ls. the ls will seed the sand. you can do the same with your rock, buy base rock, then some lr and the live rock will seed the base rock (and the sand).

 

[sinner's g]

Ok I am in the process of starting up a reef tank and was just wanting to know what the cheaper route would be as for the sand. I want a deep sand bed and was wanting to know if I could just purchace 90 percent of dry sand and the other 10 percent live sand to seed the sand.
Yes, the live sand will seed the sand.
Also if so what is a good dry sand to use (inexpensive).
I'm using a product that we're not allowed to post links too on SWF's forums..1Journeyman.
Lastly I am starting up a 90-gallon tank, how much sand will it take to give me a 4" sand bed.
-look to your left-see teh live rock live sand? click that, then you can calulate how much you need! you need your length and width, not just the gallons.
When starting this tank up and I start stacking my rock is it nessesary to place the bottom layer of rocks on the bottom of the glass itself or just start stacking them on top of the sand.
-depends. will you have sand shifting fish/inverts? if possible, then yes, you want the bottom layer of rock supported. not sure if it should be directly on the glass or not.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by gc1962
Ok I am in the process of starting up a reef tank and was just wanting to know what the cheaper route would be as for the sand. I want a deep sand bed and was wanting to know if I could just purchace 90 percent of dry sand and the other 10 percent live sand to seed the sand. Also if so what is a good dry sand to use (inexpensive). Lastly I am starting up a 90-gallon tank, how much sand will it take to give me a 4" sand bed. When starting this tank up and I start stacking my rock is it nessesary to place the bottom layer of rocks on the bottom of the glass itself or just start stacking them on top of the sand. Sorry for all the questions but I just want to eliminate future problems first.
Place the rock on the glass, or you can buy some eggcrate at Home Depot and place the rock on that. Add the sand around it. Don't place the rock on top of the sand. Your inverts, or any sand sifting fish, will shift the sand over time while they clean. The rock will fall if it is on top of the sand. You can certainly buy mostly plain aquarium sand then add the top 1/2- 1 inch of live.

 

[nano reefer]

live sand all the way

 

[krautburner]

Originally Posted by Sinner's G
yes, you can start with dry, then add some ls. the ls will seed the sand. you can do the same with your rock, buy base rock, then some lr and the live rock will seed the base rock (and the sand).

what is good base rock?
where would I get it (and how would i prep it)
will base rock seed from the sump?

 

[maxalmon]

Originally Posted by gc1962
Ok I am in the process of starting up a reef tank and was just wanting to know what the cheaper route would be as for the sand. I want a deep sand bed and was wanting to know if I could just purchace 90 percent of dry sand and the other 10 percent live sand to seed the sand. Also if so what is a good dry sand to use (inexpensive). Lastly I am starting up a 90-gallon tank, how much sand will it take to give me a 4" sand bed. When starting this tank up and I start stacking my rock is it nessesary to place the bottom layer of rocks on the bottom of the glass itself or just start stacking them on top of the sand. Sorry for all the questions but I just want to eliminate future problems first.
There are several types of bulk sand available at some of the larger home improvement stores.
Theres Silica based sand = bad.................Aragonite based sand = good
The way you tell the difference is to use some vinegar and a small sample of sand, mix the two together and it it starts to bubble or fizz then it Aragonite sand.....On the eastcoast, I think it's WhiteCastle brand thats Ok to use.