Water, substrate, & rock for 1st tank

[Lostsoule77]

I'm setting up a 65 gal tank with a 20 gal sump.

I was planning on using water from a lfs and our reef tank, but have been advised on here this is not a good idea (thank you for the heads up.) :thumbsup: We do not have a ro/di unit so I was thinking I would use distilled water. What are the thoughts on this?

After doing research on substrate I'm thinking of going with a 1-2 sandbed with live sand. Does anyone think this is a good or bad idea? Also is there a reliable online site for live sand? I don't think any of my lfs have it other than bagged. Is live sand ok for the horses or should I just go with regular bagged?

I would really like to get some branch rock for this setup, but it seems like most sites carried Tonga branch rock. None of my lfs seem to have it. I've run across a site (aquatic connection) that claims to have Fuji branch rock, but they don't reply to my emails so I'm not going to use them. Does anyone know where I can get some or should I just go with regular lr?

 

[namxas]

A std 65 is a great footprint for SH.

Distilled water is fine, so no worries there.

1" - 2" sandbed is fine as well. Personally, I'd go with either #3 or #1 grade (if you like it a bit finer) dry aragonite. These "lay down" much better than finer grade, and will become "live" in no time, altho a SSB really doesn't add much to your biofiltration.

Fiji LR is fine if you can't find any Tonga (the moratorium on LR and critters from Tonga kinda ruined the supply). FWIW, our SH rarely hitch to the branch rock, as they have other hitches (see below).

Personally, In addition to LR, I recommend using live macroalgae in your DT. It looks nice, aids in water quality, and provides both hitches and hunting grounds for your SH between meals.

I know this pic (or an iteration thereof) has been around for awhile, but here's a look at what I mean: