sand suggestions

[WILDTHING]

Well, I'm setting up my 55g reef. I was going to do a phlem like garf suggests, but I think I would prefer to do a DSB for the 55g reef and try the phlem on a 30g hex FOWLER.

I can't locate South Down here so asking for suggestions for alternatives. Would prefer not to do LFS sand in hopes of keeping costs down. Did some reading on Dr Rons forum, have some vague ideas but would prefer not to make my own mistakes.lol

Has anyone else set up a DSB on the cheap? Is this doable or is it too risky?

[mbort]

I personally do not like DSBs in a main tank. I had one start to crash, and it essentially cannot process any more waste after a certain amount of time (depending on bioload), after which it needs removed. Anyhow, a DSB in a fuge is great and works well, especially becuase it can be easily removed. Cheap DSB from just using Southdown and adding some established live rock, or a cup of sand from one of our fuges. The sand bed will come alive almost on its own.

[WILDTHING]

I would happily use southdown, but I can't get it here. Is it available down your way?

[manderx]

it's not, he gets it in PA while visiting family up there.

[RUFISHY2]

Getting my hands on mass quantities of SD soon, hope to have it by Roanoke Club Meeting on Sept 30.