Hi,

Just a few comments...

1) You need to have at LEAST 1lb of live rock / gallon. 1.5 - 2lbs /
gallon would be best.

2) If you are going to run the wet/dry, be sure to remove the bio
balls. They can become nitrate factories which is very bad for corals.

3) Do NOT use your city water. It doesn't matter how long it's been
circulating. True, if the initial water you have has been in there
long enough the metals, nitrates and phosphate can be obsorbed by
chemical filter media, however you will be doing water changes. Every
time you add that water to the system you'll be contributing elements
which will cause nusicance algae to grow and metals which could be
detrimental to your inhabitants. Don't skimp in this area...

4) Don't buy into the "live sand" craze. It contains the same
bacteria which will grow in your system anyway as it matures... You're
paying extra for what you can get for free.

5) Whatever you do in this hobby, "TAKE YOUR TIME" and do your
research.


wrote:
Hello and thanks up front for all your facts on reef systems! I'm
starting to set up a new reef tank, 40g. I plan to have 20lbs live sand
and 20 lbs CarbeSea Florida Crushed Coral. I have a 10g wet/dry with my
homemade skimmer.

I have only water in the sytem now, testing and getting familiar
with the sump and how it all works. I have been spending about 8 hrs a
day reading here and other reef forums I have found on the internet-
there is so much to absorb!

My really important question is can I use my city water after its
been circulating for awhile? I mean I have not finished all my research
yet, books and internet, and plan on another 2 months of reading...

What I really want for my tank is the small creatures from the
live sand from the Florida keys. Should I also add the stuff "GARF
Grundge"?

Any input is greatly appreciated!!!!

PS: my LFS has the live sand also, should I get it there? I'm
Jacksonville FL