Substrate

[heather616]

What should my substrate consist of? I was planning on using a layer of crushed coral with a layer of live sand on top. What are the pros and cons, and how much of each is recommended? If possible please give a reference site on substrates.

[tendar]

Substrate can pretty much consist of what ever you want it to but a fine grade sand like oolite is usally prefered over all. THe problem with crushed coral is the food particals and fish wastes settle down into the crush coral and break down fowling the water but with fine grade sands it stays on the top so it can swept into the water colum and then disposed of through your filteration system depending on what you use.
Live sand. Unless it comes with lots of small stuff in it you really dont need more than 1 lb as any sand in a tank will become live sand over a month or so as bacterias and other things settle on it.