[firemedic0135]

I just started my fowler yesterday and i fear that I may have goofed up a bit.I started it with 16# of LR and 40lbs live sand and 20lbs or coral sand.Now I have read numerous threads that state not to use CC and I have no idea if the sand I got is CC or not.It has tons of small shells and bits of broken shells.If I need to remove or will need to remove in the future I would like t do it now rather than after my system is ready.I also have placed an order for 50lbs of live rock that should be here this week.so when it arrives will be a good time to change the substrate if needed.
thanks

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

I can't give advice on this one. I see nothing wrong with using crushed coral, so as the specimens you plan to keep are okay with that substrate. I would avoid mixing substrates (particles may compact and creates low oxygen pockets). When it comes to a FOWLR marine system, the substrate in the display tank is pretty much whatever looks good to you, if it is there for decoration.

For other insights and information you should be considering, please read this from top to bottom: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Good luck!

[firemedic0135]

thanx leebca!! I hgave read your intro to fowler about 10 times now and thanks for the very helpfull info.I seem to get alot of varying info whereever I ask around and try to pick out things that repeated or that are tried and true methods.
the only reason I used both kinds is because I was told by more than one person that mixing live and regular substrate was an economical savings.dont know why i am s concerned with money as this has already been one of the more expensive undertakings thus far.
thanks again for the reply and the fowler setup walkthrough both are tops.
John

[leebca]

I now understand your motivation. Yest it can be an expensive hobby. But if you read my post, then maybe you missed the part about using live sand is not worth the money.

Think about it. You have 'living bacteria' trapped in a plastic bag (whether they claim the bag allows air in and out is irrelevant to this thinking). What are the bacteria eating or living on? Nothing. So, they go into a metabolic stasis (hybernate in a way). Alive? Technically they are, in scientific terms. When now put into water they will 'live' and start their metabolic process no faster than the bacteria that is on the sand from the air.

Hobbyists that start off using 'regular' substrate can have a fast cycle or a slow cycle, just like those that use the 'live sand' substrate.

Good luck! Enjoy the hobby!