loganj
Aquarium Advice Addict
Bad idea...not really. It'll work that way. You would be far better off to go with the LR and DSB as Brian suggested though. If you use a bio filter, you'll likely have some trouble with nitrates and your maintenance will have to be more frequent. Initially on this post, I was trying to stay within the parameters you set. Since we have opened up the possibility of adding more rock now, we'll go with that. There is a way to save some $$ if you are willing to be patient. Get the 20lbs of LR and about 40 more lbs of dry base rock. You should be able to get the base rock for $1.00 lb or less. Put the base rock in first, then top it off with the LR. Don't add any livestock for a while. When you start to see some coraline growth on the base rock, you'll be ready for livestock. Waiting will also give your sand bed a chance to get established. Your amphipod and copepod population will also have a chance to get established without predation from fish. By this time, your ugly base rock will be well on it's way to being nice LR, you've saved yourself some $$, and your tank will be in much better shape to receive livestock. I've set up all my tanks this way and have had good results with it. If you do it this way, I'd go with the Aqua C skimmer. I would also get the surface skimmer with it as that will maximize DOC removal and cut down on the bubbles that are returned to the tank. Check with Marine Depot on the Aqua C...you should be able to get it for under $200 with the surface skimmer and the MJ 1200 as they still have free shipping on all orders over $150. JMHO.