RussG

Hi, I had a 20 gallon saltwater setup many years ago and at the time I used crushed coral for the bottom of the tank with a undergravel filter and powerheads, after going to my local fish shop I was told I should use ocean sand? or something that looked like sand, my question is what is the better choice, crushed coral or the sand? I probably going to set up a 30 or more gallon saltwater tank in by the end of summer.

harpua2002

I'd stay away from UGF for a marine tank for sure. There's a lot of debate on what to use as far as substrate, but I'd say go for aragonite sand. It's easier to keep clean than crushed coral, and thus easier to keep parameters in check.

au01st

Sand. I've recently switched my nano from sugar sized oolitic sand to "special grade sea flor" sand. It's small enough for sand sifters to filter, but large enough to not make a mess and it rinsed easily.

You do not want a UGF for a SW tank.

RussG

Thanks for the info. What's the better filter to use on a 46 gallon tank for saltwater?

harpua2002

You have several options here IMO, since your live rock will act as your biological filtration. You could run the tank with only powerheads and not use a filter; as long as you have enough live rock, enough flow, and a good skimmer, you should be fine. You could use a hang on back filter, remove the media, and fill the chamber with live rock for extra biological filtration (I use an Aquaclear for my 20 gallon). You could buy a hang on overflow and use a sump under the tank, or you could have the back drilled and get the plumbing you need for a sump without using the hang on overflow. Or, you could look for a reef-ready tank (they don't make 46 gallon RR tanks to my knowledge) and buy the overflow kit for a sump- this makes the plumbing pretty easy.

RussG

Interesting, I've never used live rock before, I only had a 20 gallon setup with the ugf and 2 powerheads with hang on whisper filter which worked OK for some small fish that I had until we had a bad storm that knockout the power in my old townhouse for a week in the summer and I lost all my fish. After that I went back to freshwater. I guess next setup for saltwater will be all new for me this time with a bigger tank.
Again thanks for the help!!! I'll probably have more questions when I get started.

harpua2002

It sounds like a lot has changed about the SW side of the hobby since you last kept SW. I would definitely suggest buying live rock. You don't have to use it if you don't want to, but I think it definitely makes your setup easier to maintain because of the biological filtration component. It can be pricey, given the recommendation for 1-1.5 lbs/gallon (general guideline), but it's totally worth it. Do you have a local reef club? If you do, I'd suggest joining up. In addition to learning new things about the hobby, you can often find great deals on rock and equipment from folks who are upgrading or breaking down tanks. Joining my local reef club ended up being a great decision for me.

RegalAngel

30 years ago when I took up SW fishes, I don't recall anything about Live Rock, so yes this has changed. I used an UG and external canister filter in those days.

So, it depends on what type of SW aquarium you are planning....fish only, fish with live rock for bio filtering needs, or a reef with live rock.

If fish only then you can get by with external filtering and water changes to keep nitrates and phosphates low enough for the fish. Add live rock and it will work to keep those down with the bacteria it contains.

I am in the process of installing a 300g SW fish only setup after 27 years away from the hobby. I will be using external fitration methods to remove particulate matter and a bio filter that works like live rock. The tank will not have live rock, but only base rock and various decorations. The large angels, butterflies, and tangs will be the main fishes in this tank.

harpua2002

If you add some live rock with your base rock, the base rock will become live in time.

The stocking idea sounds fascinating, and you certainly have the space for it. Good luck!