[jnhinsd]

I've been recently researching setting this tank up (first timer) And with the help of some others(Lifereef.com) i have already I have already decided on the filtration.

1. LF1-150 Berlin System $989.00
> includes:
> Sump, 4mdqx-sc system pump, system manifold plumbing setup,
> VS2-24 protein skimmer, 3mdqx-sc skimmer pump, all hoses, clamps, and
> fittings.

But back to my reason for this post....

I want to set it up as a fish only with some live rock thrown in but i was wondering what kind of substrate i should use. Any observations from all of you?

What type of Live Rock should i use in it and how much considering it is a fish only set up?

[leebca]

The choice of substrate is pretty much up to what you would like to look at. If your substrate provides a home for a type of fish you want to keep, then the choice has to be a substrate compatible with the needs of that fish.

If you want to keep fish that swim along the bottom or rest on/touch the bottom, then a very fine substrate is in order, so that the fish aren't harmed by sharp edges.

Lastly, since substrates are sometimes used in deep sand beds (DSBs) the choice of the size of the particle is of importance.

Other than the above considerations, it is up to what appeals to you.

Regarding live rock -- it depends on what you expect from live rock. Review this post:
What is Live Rock, Anyway?

You want to read closely this post:
Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

You are in the planning stages and you should look over this post and develop your plan as advised in THE PLAN section. You are at/near the perfect time to be thinking about what you want. Take your time and plan!

[Ninong]

Hi jnhinsd,

Welcome to Reefland!

Originally Posted by jnhinsd

I've been recently researching setting this tank up (first timer) And with the help of some others(Lifereef.com) i have already I have already decided on the filtration.

1. LF1-150 Berlin System $989.00
> includes:
> Sump, 4mdqx-sc system pump, system manifold plumbing setup,
> VS2-24 protein skimmer, 3mdqx-sc skimmer pump, all hoses, clamps, and
> fittings.

That was my choice, too. Jeff does excellent work!

What type of Live Rock should i use in it and how much considering it is a fish only set up?

My favorites are Kaelini and Tonga branch. It's all a matter of personal preference. For a FOWLR setup, you will want to have lots of caves and hiding places. A combination of Tonga branch with Kaelini or almost any live rock would work. I would definitely include Tonga branch in a FOWLR aquarium. For a 125-gal tank, I would suggest a minimum of about 100 lbs. Half Tonga branch and half something else. An absolute minimum would be about 90 lbs and a reasonable maximum would be about 140 lbs.

As far as the substrate is concerned, I would caution you to avoid crushed coral. Aragonite sand would be nice. The particle size is up to you but anything from a max of about 1-2mm down to smaller sizes would work. You could go with sugar-sized aragonite or you could opt for something slightly larger. This decision depends on what sort of fish you intend to keep.

[jnhinsd]

Thanks for the help fellas.....you helped me out a great deal....

On a side note to all of your replies i dont plan (at first) to have any type of fish other than beginner types aka Clowns and such.....

[kronos5]

I'm Thinking about a 125 in the near future also.