Obiji

I think I agree with your decision as well. I was planning on aiming for a mixture me thinks. But what is your take on cleaning it? Is it going to launch the sand/oolite all over the tank/reefs/equipment? Anyone else have opinions about substrate?

Can you elaborate on the crushed coral? Why would it be my best choice?

Hey everyone, I was just looking for opinions on substrate. I know some people swear on Crushed Coral or Live Sand. I was kind of contemplating doing a mixture of the two. Whats everyones opinion on sand colors? Black? Black+White? White? Crushed Coral? Live sand? Dead Sand? Gravel? Are there any other substrates that I am not thinking of?

Maybe she wouldnt kill you if you brought her with you :-D

Me, Wife, and future daughter will be attending

I do have one quick question, I have a single bulb T8 Lamp, will this be sufficient for "some" coral? I understand many require MH lighting, but at the cost of that lighting, it will be a while for me to get some. Current Lamp is an eclipse F30T8 30 watt, 36in T8, 26K Natural Daylight.

Thanks everyone for all the good wishes. We'll be getting our tank up and running as soon as we can Though I have changed my plans and I will be doing coral too :-D

I just got back from the new LFS. Fish are in great condition, and all appear to be happy fish. Beautiful live rock, but he is a bit proud on his pricing for it ($7.00 lb). All of his tanks have crushed coral substrate and he seems to be pretty "one-way" about it versus live sand or sand in general. The custom sumps that he builds look great. His store is clean, well laid out, great looking nems, healthy livestock, and the guy is pretty dang nice (and long winded). Overal, I'de give his store a 8 out of 10. -1 for prices, -1 for one-way-ness.

Hello everyone, I'm David. My wife also created a profile (her name is Corey), and we have a third future SWF lover coming, her name is going to be Kylee and she is 4 months away from joining us (Nov. 26th). My wife and I are new to the hobby, however, we have been researching all of this for the last three years. I've just finally landed a job that will allow me to afford it (As we all know it can be pricey :-D) I have a 46 Gallon Bow-Front tank (Yay Petsmart) That has been in my garage unused for about 4 years now. I've had the plans/ambition, just not the $$$. We are now getting ready to get it all started. I've found a good place for my tank in my house, and come paycheck #1 we will be going to get 40 lbs of live sand. If anyone else knows where we can get starter stuff like sand and live rock for cheap, let me know I do not have ambitions for a reef tank just yet. I figure I would like to get the nitrogen cycle good and set for about 2 months, then start on some fish. Once I have the fish in place and my tank is stable, I will then start to consider the equipment needed for reef upkeep. It will be a pleasure to meet all of you. Speaking of which, when is the next meeting. We would love to meet you all and learn more! Sincerely, David