Ok, So I have decided to go with this for my new setup (opinions please)

[patsfan1130]

110g tank

I'm going FOWLR (Start with 75 lbs or so of Premium fiji & 30 lbs of base)
decided to use sand as subtrate (50lbs you think?)
I just ordered a My reef creations MR1 with a mag 12 pump
Overflow box
20L sump
Magnum 350 with carbon and I'll throw my PC lighting on as well


Never gone F/O before...Am I missing anything?

Thanks

Mark

[Reefland]

Hi Mark!

Everything looks good there. However, 50lbs of sand will not be enough, even for a fine dusting over the bottom of a 110. Probably will need at least 100 - 150 lbs.

What are some of the fish that interest you?

Scott Z.

[patsfan1130]

Ok gotcha

Can you recommend any particular type of sand? This setup still feels incomplete as it goes against everything I have believed over the years... "You must have wet/dry filtration for a F/O tank". tough to teach an old dog new tricks but I am slowly moving towards the light

As far as fish go....I am undecided. I will either go with a few triggers and groupers or get an Emperor Angel (always loved em but never owned). might you be able to recommend some good tankmates for the angel?

[Poseidon]

On Sand, I really like the the fine "Oolitic" type, sugar sized grains.... All the other stuff is too course for my tastes. But if you decide to triggers and groupers maybe the course stuff would be better. They will almost certainly re-arrainge the substrate to what they want anyway. ;;

[Justler]

On Sand, I really like the the fine "Oolitic" type, sugar sized grains.... All the other stuff is too course for my tastes. But if you decide to triggers and groupers maybe the course stuff would be better. They will almost certainly re-arrainge the substrate to what they want anyway. ;;

So Southdown would not be the most "optimal" choice for a FOWLR tank with agressive fish such as triggers? Is there something that is more coarse for around the same price? I'm having a hard time thinking of filling a 110 or 125gal tank with $30 25 lb. bags of the stuff at the LFS. For a 2inch bed, i'd figure it would require 150lb to 200lb of sand.

[the_blue_tuna]

Justler ,
It sounds to me as if you want the sand bed more for looks than to act as filtration(deep sand bed) if I understand correctly. If that is the case then depth is not important. All you need is enough to cover the bottom adequately. Particle size comes into consideration when 1) you are building a DSB 2) when considering cleaning and maintenance. The beauty of southdown is that it is the same sand that the suppliers sold for $25.00 a bag for the aquarium trade stating the buffering capability of aragonite sand was far superior. There has been alot of debate lately about the buffering capabilities of sand and from many the general consencus is that although ,yes it can , it really doesnt , Ca levels and stability dont seem to be affected a great deal by the presence or lack of this sand.What Poseidon says about the fish rearranging the sand is true and with the finer sand may make a bit of a mess , but finer or not , they will still rearrange it. Some people have used silica sand and had good results. Others have used bags that are labeled "Play Sand" as these have been processed and tested so as to not introduce toxins to little children. Just some things for you to think about.