Hi guys, I'm here to **** **** up

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sabanero24

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My name is Martin I'm relatively new to the saltwater game but I'm aiming big. I just got a new 100 gallon long tank, currently empty. Do you guys know if it's a bad idea to have different types of sand in my tank? I have some from the fish store but it's so much cheaper on Craigslist I was thinking of just having different kinds. The plans for this tank:
1 shark
1 emperor Angel
1 1 puffer fish
Assorted tangs. Any words of advice before I begin this journey? How much should I spend on live rock for a predator tank? Sand? I know it's not exactly a reef tank but any and all words of advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys I look forward to hearing from you
 
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bvysochin

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Be careful reusing an old sand bed as the reason it is live is because of all the anaerobic bacteria within it. As such, there are toxic layers towards the bottom which could give you a slew of problems in the long run. If you do choose to reuse someone's old sand, I would rinse it very well in purified rodi water, then let it sit for another day or two in fresh rodi to leach out any potential contaminants. This would make the sand not live any more, but it could always become live sand again in a relatively short period of time once the bacteria is reintroduced. Unless I misunderstood your question and you were just asking about mixing different bags of new sand.. which would be fine from a filtration standpoint.. from an aesthetic standpoint, that would be up to you.
 
oredith

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welcome.. :)

100 isn't "that" big around here though.

i'd do a bit more research and reading around here before you start making purchases.

sounds like you're aiming for a FOWLR (fish only with live rock) tank, which is simpler than a reef tank, but will still need some equipment in addition to just the tank. you'll want to know what you're getting into before you just start filling in water.. :)

you may also want to plan out your livestock. there's no real "tang police" around here, but the reality is that the tangs do grow pretty big and need lots of room to swim. over stocking your tank will be detrimental to their wellbeing.
 
turbonut

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Um no no and no. A 100 gallon is not big enough for those fish. As far as sand goes you can source it from other places but inadvisable. You can get sand used but get it from a trusted source or Ull be kicking your self in the a$$ later. You can find live rock for as cheap as 1.00 a lb but the average is 2-5.00 a lb unless you get tonga branch then you'll be looking at 8.00 a lb. One piece of equipment you don't want to skimp on is your protein skimmer. Lights since it seems like you won't be keeping coral won't be to bad just get a couple of led strips and Ull be fine. Make sure you get a quality heater and return pump as these are items that you don't want to skimp on either.

sent from my s4
 
Tangwich

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turbonut said:
Um no no and no. A 100 gallon is not big enough for those fish. As far as sand goes you can source it from other places but inadvisable. You can get sand used but get it from a trusted source or Ull be kicking your self in the a$$ later. You can find live rock for as cheap as 1.00 a lb but the average is 2-5.00 a lb unless you get tonga branch then you'll be looking at 8.00 a lb. One piece of equipment you don't want to skimp on is your protein skimmer. Lights since it seems like you won't be keeping coral won't be to bad just get a couple of led strips and Ull be fine. Make sure you get a quality heater and return pump as these are items that you don't want to skimp on either.

sent from my s4
Click to expand...
Yup, I agree with Omar. I have a 100g and you'll be amazed at how little room you really do have after rock goes in. Even going the minimalist route as I did, there still isn't enough room for a large angel such as an Emperor and definitely not enough room for a shark. I had a friend that kept a shark in a 100g and it would constantly jump out. Once it got big, it pushed the heavy acrylic lid and jumped for the last time. Watching it swim from one end to the other was a sad sight due to the constant pacing. Hope you either re-evaluate your fish selection or go atleast 300g to correctly accommodate these fish you're looking to get.
 
Zoarder

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Like people said above, that tank size is small for a predator tank. The fish you want grow huge! Specially a shark! They need round tanks or else they hit their nose which can kill them. Trust me when I tell you not to add those fish! You might think we don't know what we are talking about but trust it will save you sooooo much money and headaches. Your bioload just with a shark is huge. You will stress out every fish in there, cause ick (research that) and lose them all. Don't say we didn't warn ya! Just go with 2 yellow tangs, some damsels, clarki pair. That should be a good start....
 
wickedfish

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I've got free dead rock. Around 35lbs.

And it's free because I like your title.

Everyone is about right on the tank being a bit small if the fish are over 5" but if they are smaller it's okay for now. Once you really get into the hobby you will learn to care for your livestock I a proper manner. And then you will also learn that people are also full of $h!t.
 
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Spinner

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And then you will also learn that people are also full of $h!t.

Not since getting my new Keurig coffee maker......I can hear the ocean...lol

Welcome Martin:)
 
Spinner

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Sorry another double post my SCR has not been working well the past week all other forums fine?
 
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Tangwich

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oh and to the OP...stay away from those Keurig coffee makers...they make you double post like a mug..lol.
 
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