Where to get sand? How deep for algae?

[loans_n_fishes]

Where should I get sand for my seahorse tank (around 40 gal cube)? It doesn't have to be live. I can seed it with some from my other tanks.
Does Home Depot carry a non-silicate sand?

Since this will be a tank with mainly different kinds of algae, would it be best to make the sand deep? Perhaps use some "mud" instead?

[Richard]

Unless you are planning on keeping true vascular sea grass you don't need any specific depth. The mud would have more minerals in it to make the macros grow faster but think the seahorse poop will give plenty of nutrients for the macro's.

[cpreefguy]

I got mine at CB and just got a few cups of seasoned sand from a member to seed it

[loans_n_fishes]

I'm trying to go as cheap and as close to home (Austin) as possible. I will be spending quite a bit on the tonga branch, so sand needs to be pennies!

So, it sounds like the sand is more for looks than anything? What if I have a prawn goby/pistol shrimp? Minimum depth?

[loans_n_fishes]

Also, since there will be tons of algae, I won't need a deep sand bed for nitrate reduction. Right??