First SW Tank

[AamaCrab]

Hi everyone,

This is my first attempt at a sw tank. This is what I have currently and I'm trying to research as much as possible to ensure the right steps are taking for a successful hobby.

40 gal tank
Marine lab 400 HOB
Marine lab LED lights

I need to start cycling my tank but can't decide on sand or gravel.

A few questions:
a. I live in Hawaii and if I go the sand route, can I just get it from the beach and wash it out, or is it better to buy "live sand" and cycle from there?
b. Do you think I need a power head (36Lx12Wx20H)
c. If the filter adequate for this tank

Thanks in advance
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[Rize2]

Welcome to the hobby! I don't know the answers to your questions...

 

[secretreefer]

I like my Aama crab raw with inamona! WELCOME TO R2R!!! :bounce:

A few answers:
a. I live in Hawaii and if I go the sand route, can I just get it from the beach and wash it out, or is it better to buy "live sand" and cycle from there? YES!! Hawaii has one of the most prestine waters in the world. Just get sand from somewhere on the north side of the island where currents are stronger and water is cleaner (always moving). I use it BUT I rinse the sand in the bucket while in the water to clean any unwanted stuff. keep stirring and rinsing until the water is crystal clear and impurities in the sand are rinsed out. ( YOU CAN ONLY LEGALLY COLLECT 5 GALLONS OF SAND PER DAY)
b. Do you think I need a power head (36Lx12Wx20H) OF COURSE more flow the better! (not crazy flow but movement in the whole tank is good!)
c. If the filter adequate for this tank? I'd buy a canister filter or make a small sump with a 15 G tank. I run a RENA XP3 on my frag tank.

 

[Usatennisfan]

Welcome! I have a 40 breeder as well and have a return pump at about 350-400 gallons an hour, a koralia pump (the size above the nano, can't remember the GPH) and an aqua clear 50 for circulation. My tank is primarily an sps reef so it all depends on what you want to do in the tank. As far as the sand, personal choice.

 

[VB68]

Welcome to Reef2Reef

 

[Dmmz]

Welcome to R2R

 

[kateater]

A. No, you don't know what contaminates are in beach sand. I prefer live sand
B. I would say yes but depends on what you plan to keep.
C. Also depends on what you plan to keep. Fish only yes reef no as they can be nitrate factories.

 

[ReeferBob]

Definitely collect beach sand if in Hawaii! You need sand also since it is typically aragonite and acts as a natural pH buffer. Gravel/rock will not provide this. If I was you, I would also collect sea water from the beach. You really don't need the HOB and it can cause issues if not maintained/cleaned religiously.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Hello and welcome to R2R!

We appreciate your membership!

Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

 

[uall8up]

Welcome to R2R.

 

[DSP]

Welcome!

 

[AamaCrab]

I like my Aama crab raw with inamona! WELCOME TO R2R!!! :bounce:

:bounce: lol BUT not too much or else........

Tanks for the welcome!


So this is my plan...not sure if it's a right one but I think it's best to ask then do it on trial and error.
I want to stock the tank with a few Red Banded Shrimp caught from the tide pools and also purchase a few clown fish. Aqua scape with rocks I find on the shore line and have a sand bottom. I'll mix my own saltwater.

If I've read correctly, it's not a good idea to mix wild fish/shrimp with store bought ones? unless it's quarantined first.

So the majority says it's ok to get sand from the beach as long as it's clean well. Will the sand from the beach help with cycling?

Thanks again
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