Rock and Sand?

[elm0]

Where is the best place for cheap rock and sand in Austin?
So far the best price I've found on rock is the reef bones at Austin Aquariums for $2 lb and they've got fine dry sand for $1 lb....anyone know of anything better, live or dry...thanks

[GaryP]

elmO,

Talk to Tim. He usually has some LR. Not sure about sand but he can probably give you some ideas of where to go.

Gary

[StephenA]

Tim has good sand and rock. If you really want cheap sand use Play Sand from Home depot, it's $2.50 for 50lbs. I used 1 bag in my tank mixed with Tim's Live Sand, then Pure Caribbean Aragonite (http://www.purearagonite.com), then sand from South Padre Island (http://www.nps.gov/pais/)

[DeAngelove]

Kenneth -
Yeah... Tim Marvin would be your best bet if you're planning on going with LR/LS. He's in Cedar Park/Leander... so it wouldn't be too far of a drive for you. Petco (NW & RR locations) occasionally have LR for about $3.50/lb... but I would personally prefer to get stuff for my tank from Tim. Otherwise, the reefbones they have at AA is probably the most inexpensive way to go... it will take a bit longer, but will work as long as you have the patience and a little bit of LR already. Home Depot play sand... with a cup or two from some local reefers or LFS would also work for the LS part... as long as you're not in a big hurry to start adding livestock to the tank.
If you want to be crafty and don't mind getting your hands a little dirty, there are some great DIY homemade LR (similiar to Sam_Iam's) recipes on GARF and probably reefcentral as well...

I hope this helps :) Good luck on getting your new tank started.

[Tim Marvin]

How much rock are you looking for? I am curing some Tonga right now, but I'd sell it for $3 per lbs if you want it all. (54 lbs), I can also hook you up with small amounts of Fiji for $3. per lbs. Reef bones will not work all by itself, you will have to culture it with something or you are setting yourself up for disaster.