Economic rock and sand?

JonPhillips

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I aint got no 5.99 per pound for live rock sooooooooo I am trying to fill a 135g tank. What is your opinion on how much rock and sand should be in the tank? Also, can I, hypothetically, populate a lot of rock and sand with just a few live pounds? Thanks!

(please don't punish me, I ignorant)
 
Dry rock/sand will become "live" after cycling. You can also go with mostly dry rock and sand to fill your tank. Then you can add a few cups of live sand and a few pieces of live rock from an established tank to speed up the cycling process.
 
Dry rock/sand will become "live" after cycling. You can also go with mostly dry rock and sand to fill your tank. Then you can add a few cups of live sand and a few pieces of live rock from an established tank to speed up the cycling process.


Thank YOU! How long we talking for cycling? depending on tank size I am sure...
 
Yes but luckily much cheaper than rock.

true. can't you buy liquid bacteria and then just dump and run into your regular sand. Also, I want pure white sand. Can I just use playground sand? dumbest question ever I know!
 
I like starting a cycle with raw shrimp but there are other things you can use for your source of ammonia. (Pure ammonia from the hardware store, Dr Tim's, etc). By testing the parameters you should see the ammonia spiking then dropping to zero. Nitrites will go up then drop to zero and then you should only have nitrates remaining. The length of time will depend on the tank size and if you have some live sand/rock that you can use.
 
true. can't you buy liquid bacteria and then just dump and run into your regular sand. Also, I want pure white sand. Can I just use playground sand? dumbest question ever I know!

NO to playground sand. Aragonite is the common choice; available in white !
 
I feel your pain, I'm new to the hobby, and it's really easy to spend vast sums. I scored a free tank, sump, stand, and lights and am still amazed at what else I need. My advice is to do the homework and go slow, think about your stock list and how much that will run you and then think about losing it all because of poor preparation. Craigslist is your friend. I am also planning on trying to keep every as low tech as I can to start. That said- everything starts with your water quality. Spectra pure has a great deal on an RODI system right now( aquarium starter system) and also has a $25 spring coupon on their website. Also BRS has dry Pukani for about 3.50 a pound with free shipping if you buy 50 pounds. Those were my first 2 purchases. I would also watch their 52 weeks of reefing video series to start giving you some good advice at what's involved to get going- they are going totally high end though.. Welcome to r2r, it's an amazing resource.
 
I feel your pain, I'm new to the hobby, and it's really easy to spend vast sums. I scored a free tank, sump, stand, and lights and am still amazed at what else I need. My advice is to do the homework and go slow, think about your stock list and how much that will run you and then think about losing it all because of poor preparation. Craigslist is your friend. I am also planning on trying to keep every as low tech as I can to start. That said- everything starts with your water quality. Spectra pure has a great deal on an RODI system right now( aquarium starter system) and also has a $25 spring coupon on their website. Also BRS has dry Pukani for about 3.50 a pound with free shipping if you buy 50 pounds. Those were my first 2 purchases. I would also watch their 52 weeks of reefing video series to start giving you some good advice at what's involved to get going- they are going totally high end though.. Welcome to r2r, it's an amazing resource.


Thank you, man. Really appreciate that.
 

WHICH PART OF YOUR SETUP IS HARDEST TO REACH OR REMOVE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?

  • Glass behind or beside the tank

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  • Powerheads or wavemakers

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  • Skimmer or other filtration equipment

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  • Overflow or plumbing

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  • Lights or lids

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  • Mine is pretty easy to access!

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  • Other—tell us what I missed

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