substrate

[johnnystingray]

I,m setting up a 55 gal. Planning on just the basic marine fish variety for now. Damsel's, Clown's etc. Have already have a 40lb. bag of Seaflor Special Grade Reef sand. Any Advantages / Dis. mixing with super fine?
Or maybe for a layering affect. How much more would i need for a 3 or so
inch base. Thanks.

[captexas]

Johnny -
Welcome to Maast. As Josh mentioned, it is beneficial to have a good mix for your substrate although many people go with the oolite (sugar-sized) only sandbeds. When I was setting up my 58gallon, I mixed 60lbs of the oolite sand with 30lbs of the reef sand (think it's the same as what you got). The one thing I noticed is that even though I mixed it thoroughly, the oolite sand has settled to the bottom and the reef sand has of course risen up. Nothing bad about this, but with the larger grain size, you have to be careful what livestock you add. Animals like sea cucumbers and blennies that take in sand through their gills to filter feed will not do well with larger grains as it will scratch their internals and an cause infections.

[Isis]

You mentioned that you were setting up with damsels.... You might want to be careful on that idea if you plan on ever adding any other fish... I like to compare them to cichlids of the sea,... once added they will try to dominate your tank, no matter who is in there. Stay clear of Blue Devils, or Yellow-Tails, Dominoes, Spotted, Yellow-Striped... Green and Blue chromis are cool though.

[johnnystingray]

This is my 1st saltwater tank as i'm sure there will be other questions
that will come up. I very much appreciate the info. :lol:

[djdubdub]

Also... Another tip...

See if you can find someone in your area to "donate" a cup of "established" substrate... This will help build the beneficial bacteria in your tank... And turn you sand into LIVE sand...

Good luck...

[utmachete]

Damsels evil stay away,

Quoting Isis

I like to compare them to cichlids of the sea

I think they are little devils of the sea. :twisted: :evil: [/quote]

[djdubdub]

Hey Sting Ray...

Once I catch my Damsels, I might be willing to sell/trade/donate them!!!

Good Luck!!!

[Tim Marvin]

The damsels are not a good idea, unless of course you are planning eels, lions, and these type fish in the reef. Then don't bother catching them. the other fish will do it for you.