What is a good substrate other than the gravel you buy at the LFS? I not only have a 55g saltwater tank,i also have a 75 and 20 gal freshwater tanks. I would like to know how others have setup their freshwater tanks. Example, sumps, filters etc.

I've used gravel from the hardware store before...
I've heard that pool filter sand is good...

But I prefer Eco complete from the LFS.

As for freshwater setups, mine are like this... 1 tank has an AquaClear HOB filter, the other has a canister filter, 1 has the typical flourescent bulbs, the other used to have incadescent bulbs, but I modified some compact flourescent bulbs for aquarium use to give a total output of 8 watts per gallon. As for substrate, one has aragonite based sand substrate, the other has eco complete. I will be buying a CO2 unit for the other tank as well, soon.

I have a 10 gallon with a mix of fine gravel and flourite for plants.

I have gone through several types of substrates, but my favorite has to be Eco-Complete Planted. I love the black color and it really promotes plant growth.

As far as other substrates that I have used... I bought a 30lb bag of landscaping 'river rock' from Lowe's ( Home Depot ) for $3 dollars. The stones are pretty large though. I also purchased a 50lb bag of pool filter sand for $6 dollars. I liked that the pool filter sand was heavy, but I was constantly worried about it getting into my filters, even though it never did. The fish really seemed to enjoy it, too. They like to dig in sand. The big river rocks wouldn't allow them to do that.

I recently discovered much smaller 'river rocks' or natural stone at Wal-Mart. You can get a 5lb bag for $2 dollars or a 25lb bag for $10 dollars. I'm thinking about using it in my new tank.

if you choose sand put sponges over your filter intakes

take it frome someone whos killed 2 brand new pumps

hmm, that's a good idea. I've killed one, twice. But I fixed it both times.

Thanks for all the ideas. One more ?. Would it be worth it to put a wet/dry filter system on the 75g. I have a Magnum Pro on it now. My water stays fairly constant. Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, and Nitrates are usually 0 they will sometimes come up to 10.

If you're not planning to add a lot more fish, I wouldn't change anything, that's ideal water quality.

You can also put pantyhose over your filter intake. That keeps most of the sand out of it. Again, if you want to go with sand, try and get the heaviest sand possible, ie pool filter sand. Play sand is very light and if your fish like to burrow or dig, you are going to have a sand cloud every time they do.

Mazza, did you happen to notice if the pool filter sand changed anything with the water... pH for example? I like that the pool sand was larger grain, yet the fish were still able to dig. I have some Cichlids that would probably appreciate it. Thanks.

Be cautious with any fine grained sands. Some sands can compact very solidly and form "air pockets" in the substraite which doesn't allow for gas exchange. If your using a sand like this (a common propertie of playsand) you need to turn it over very regularly to avoid the issue which can be a pain. It can also lead to an extremely bad smell if not maintained.

If you can find it I've heard one of the best and cheapest sands to use is a #16 sand blasting sand from a hardware supplier. This sand has the right density to both prevent too many issues with gas exchange and also not be easily aggetated by the fish.

I don't think you need the wet/dry. Your magnum will be fine.

go with sand. I've made the switch and its great. Play sand, pool filter or the expensive stuff its all good.

Sand seems like the best option for you.

But as someone else mentioned. . .

I have the natural colored river rocks that you can buy at WalMart in a 25 pound bag in my 29 gallon. I find it very easy to clean. I think it looks more natural than the standard aquarium gravel.

I also use it in my indoor cacti garden. Looks great and helps prevent base rot. -but thats a whole different hobby.

:D

thats what I think, the wal mart gravel is what I have in both my tanks.

I love the sand in my cichlid tank, but it's a chore trying to keep it clean and stirred...

I prefer the eco-complete I have in the planted tank... it appears so much cleaner (even though I'm sure it's not).

I use pool filter sand. It's coarser than play sand and generally will not get sucked into your intakes. To prevent anaerobic areas the substrate does need to be "turned" but trumpet snails or most loaches will do that for you.

As for your filtration...it really depends the "Bio-load" your gonna put on the tank. If your lightly stocked with mostly small fish your probably OK.

However...if you ever increase your bio-load by a significant amout that Magnum at 350 is not gonna handle it bio or mechanically.

A properly filtered tank turns the water over 5 times per hour. The optimum scenario for a 75 would be 375 GPH. Your slightly under that now with the Magnum. I might not worry about a wet/dry but I probably would add an Aquaclear 50 just for insurance. It might be the best $18 you ever spent.

AAO

My water comes out of the tap at 8.3 and is very hard. I didn't notice a change in anything, except that my tank looked much better. I'm using it in my 10 gallon right now. It's an african cichlid tank. The pool filter sand is extremely cheap and is very heavy. As long as you rinse it very well, at least 2 or 3 times. Fill up a bucket with sand, and then fill up just enough water to cover it about 2" or so. Then stick your hands down in there and stir it up. Pour out the smaller particles. Then repeat. You should be able to put it in the tank and turn on your filters a few minutes later. Sand blasting sand is a good alternative, too. It's heavy, but still small enough for your fish to dig. I know my dojo loach absolutely loved it when I had it. My parrot was like a bulldozer, moving the sand around all the time.