Sand or Gravel, Filter?

[bonefish]

I am changing over my 55 gallon freshwater tank to a FOWLR. I don't know whether to use sand, crushed coral or both. I have a power filter with filter cartridge can I use this? I know I will have to invest in a protein skimmer also. I have read articles that say to use wet/dry filters and others say it isn't necessary depending on how you use your tank. I am confused. :P I don't plan on overstocking my tank. Any advice would be helpful.

[clownin'around]

I use a shallow live sand bed in my 58 g reef tank it works great. There are even options with what type of sand bed you want to use lol talk about confusing. IMO the shallow sand bed is easy to maintain and keep clean. I have a little baby horseshoe crab and a sand sifting sea star that keep things moving down in the sand. I also have a protein skimmer and a wet dry filter media in my sump. I have also heard that you may not need the wet dry filter media but only if you have a VERY significant amount of live rock. Hope that helps = )

[firefly]

How shallow is your live sand bed?

[RazerCorals]

SSB very nice, I think I deamed that term here on RL. I think we were making fun or Zack or something.

[Fiji Live Rock]

Nope...it was the super fired up heated by nuke rods topic that got me stuck in the crossfire with a bunch of members. :mrgreen: :twisted: :lol: :twisted: :mrgreen: