New to the saltwater world...

[Drew52]

Hello everyone...new to the forum and the saltwater world. I have kept a 55 gallon Africian cichlid tank for the past 7 years but the wife wanted a 29 gallon biocube for a saltwater display. We just received the tank and I have done alot of research and have purchased quite a few items from Steve at mediabaskets.com for the various mods recommended by current owners of the biocube. I am looking for some advice as to what type of rock & sand I should purchase. I really like the idea of live rock, but due to many negative comments that I've read regarding undesirable "hitchikers" contained in it, I was considering the "dead" rock that seems to be gaining popularity in the hobby. We plan on a few fish and soft hardy corals for the tank....

1. Live rock or dead rock? Can anyone recommend a lfs in the Pittsburgh area to purchase or am I better off buying on-line? Since this is a small tank, how many pounds of rock is recommended?
2. How much sand is recommended for a 2 or 2 1/2 bed, should we purchased "live" sand?

Any help would be appreciated...thanks very much...:angel:

 

[SudzFD]

I do a mixture of live rock and dead rock primarily for cost savings. The dead rock quickly becomes live rock. I wouldn't worry about hitchhikers. A lot of people go nuts, but only once did I get a hitchhiker that was damaging (that survived for any amount of time at least). That hitchhiker was a single Aiptasia Anenome that was easily dispatched via blow torch!

I have received many great hitchhikers like snails and brittle stars and sponges.

Whatever you do, get light weight porous rock. It will save you a fortune, and the deep pores give surface area for bacteria and the deep low oxygen pores give a place where anaerobic bacteria can colonize and help break down your nitrates.

I would also get live sand I think 4 bags or so should work for you.

Best of luck!

 

[tuna_bullet]

welcome... go slow....and research everything so you only buy stuff once and again take your time most people want to hurry up and fill it and run into trouble..just my .02

 

[Mike J.]

Welcome to Reef2Reef. There are many places to purchase dry rock; familiarize yourself with the online vendors like bulkreefsupply.com. Go to the sponsors list on this forum and peruse the different vendors. Even if you do start with dry rock a piece of good clean live rock will help introduce wanted micro fauna.

I'd recommend not having a sand bed in the 2 - 2 1/2" range; it can turn into a nitrate factory. A sand bed of 1/2" or less or more than 4" is what you'll want. I'm a big believer in live sand.

Search members tanks in this forum that have 29 biocubes and see what they are doing.

Good luck.

 

[SudzFD]

I agree with these sand bed depth recommendations. I have a sand bed that is 1/2 inch in some areas up to 1 inch in others.

 

[vlangel]

Hello everyone..

1. Live rock or dead rock? Can anyone recommend a lfs in the Pittsburgh area to purchase or am I better off buying on-line? Since this is a small tank, how many pounds of rock is recommended?
2. How much sand is recommended for a 2 or 2 1/2 bed, should we purchased "live" sand?

Any help would be appreciated...thanks very much...:angel:

Hey Drew, I live in the Pittsburgh area, the north hills. I buy corals and fish from the Seahorse in Allison Park, where I used to work. Also Wet Pets out Rt 19 (near Canonsburg sort of) is very nice and a little bigger. I agree with other posts about either sand bed less than an inch or more than 4". Welcome to r2r, there are a lot of helpful knowledgeable folks here.

 

[Drew52]

Thanks for your response!

Hey Drew, I live in the Pittsburgh area, the north hills. I buy corals and fish from the Seahorse in Allison Park, where I used to work. Also Wet Pets out Rt 19 (near Canonsburg sort of) is very nice and a little bigger. I agree with other posts about either sand bed less than an inch or more than 4". Welcome to r2r, there are a lot of helpful knowledgeable folks here.

I'm also in the North Hills, I've been to Seahorse and also visit Aquaworld in Emsworth. I haven't gone to Wet Pets but heard it was very nice as well. Thanks again...

 

[mike007]

welcome to the forum!!!

 

[vlangel]

I have rock that was live from my 90g that I didn't use in my current 36g. Its dried out now but you may have it for free if you want to drive out and get it. A good rinsing and a piece of live rock would get you started. I think there is about 30lbs. Let me know.

 

[SirKevinD]

Welcome! I recommend dry rock. Your tank is and will be an investment so do your best to do it right the first time! Live sand is good. Caribsea love sand is shipped in breathable bags, wet with beneficial bacteria to help the tank cycle. Can't tell you how much for your desired sand bed. Do lots of research on the compatability of the corals and fish you choose. Always quarantine your new fish and ALWAYS dip any new coral you add to your tank. Remember, your tank is and investment!

 

[Drew52]

Thanks, but after visiting one of our local dealers last night, we've decided to go with 25 pounds of Pukani rock and 20 pounds of live sand, but again...thanks so much for the generous offer...much appreciated...

 

[vlangel]

Thanks, but after visiting one of our local dealers last night, we've decided to go with 25 pounds of Pukani rock and 20 pounds of live sand, but again...thanks so much for the generous offer...much appreciated...

I'm glad that you are on your way. I will enjoy following your build.