Getting back in after 25 years

[bagpiper jim]

Hi All,

The wife and I have decided to get back into the world of saltwater tanks after being out for about 25 years. We have purchased our tank (90 gal) and equipment and I am currently working on a stand (see photos). I have ordered 100 lbs of dry rock which I plan on seeding with 50 lbs of live rock. The only thing I haven't gotten a lot of information on is sand for the bottom. I plan on putting 4 inches on the bottom of the tank and I know a lot depends on what you put in the tank but does anyone have an all round good mix that they can recommend to start with? Oh, I live in California and lot of the white play sand that so many reefers talk about is simply not available at the Home Depot's here. We would like to have a nice reef tank and I know there are considerations for the critters that will live there as far as grain size goes but is there a mix of sands that will give the inhabitants a little of what they all need? I just find the "Which kind of sand to use" question to be very confusing and I don't really know where to go from here. I will take ay help that I can get... Thanks, Jim

P.S. The water in the tank was only temp. I have drained it...


Plans:

Work in progress:

 

[Anonymous]

If you're going for a DSB, this is a good article to check out. In short, the best, but expensive option is aragonite sand. But he recommends a calcite substrate as the best, reasonably priced option.

http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic59558-13-1.aspx

Marine Depot is a sponsor here and has the aragonite Roll-Royce option:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ibSea~idProduct~CS0932~idCategory~FISSDS.html

 

[Anonymous]

Oh, and before I forget, I really like the way you've done the tank and the shelves around it! Looking like an excellent start. 8)

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, I like the look and functionality of the shelves as well 8) .

 

[SnowManSnow]

i like the idea, but there's no way id be able to keep the "display shelves" neat enough haha.

BUT, nice start ... keep us posted.

b

 

[Sea Turtle]

Oh yeah, that will look real nice in your livingroom once it is up and running. I have mine in my livingroom and guests love to look at it.

 

[MartinE]

I like the start as well, quite unique.