Reddit reviews Nature's Ocean No.0 Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Live Sand for Aquarium, 10-Pound, Natural White
We found 4 Reddit comments about Nature's Ocean No.0 Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Live Sand for Aquarium, 10-Pound, Natural White. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Immediately removes nitrogenous waste (Ammonia, Nitrite and helps remove Nitrate)Instant Cycling guaranteed; No Waiting Just Add FishReduces harmful nitrateMaintains proper pHProvides enhanced buffering capacity
For filters I'd go with two Fluval FX6's or two SunSun HW-304B's. Either of those will give you at least 8x overturn per hour. Or you could drill it and do a sump system.
The cheapest substrate would be sand from a local hardware store. My favorite so far is a pure white sand in 50 lb. white paper bags from Menards. Other people prefer black blasting sand, play sand, or pool sand. All work equally as well. As cichlids require hard water, you could use aragonite sand to help buffer the water, but a tank that size needs around 200 lbs. of sand and would get expensive quickly. There's also contractor's sand that is actually small pebbles. You can always go with the chunky gravel sold in pet stores. Or, if you're planting your tank, you could go with a dirted tank topped with sand or small gravel.
Throw in some cichlid stones, driftwood, or rocks to spruce up the decor a bit. Good luck!
I'm checking the LFS water right now. Water changes are 25% weekly.
Tank:
https://imgur.com/kEdgMX1
Sand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018CLX9Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I know BRS has live rock but I’m worried with how I’d set up my aquascape if I can’t pick out the pieces. Do I need a 20 pound or 10 pound bag of sand because I’m looking at the live sand for my 10 gallon.
Marineland portrait: 52$ https://www.walmart.com/ip/Marineland-5-Gallon-Portrait-Glass-LED-Aquarium-Kit/40231748
5lbs Marco Rock from a LFS: 15$
Filter floss: 13.99 https://www.amazon.com/inTank-Aquarium-Pond-Value-600-square-inches/dp/B00B50UPE0
Live Sand: 12.54 https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Ocean-Bio-Activ-Aragonite-Aquarium/dp/B0018CLX9Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=live+sand+for+saltwater+aquarium&qid=1564404014&s=gateway&sprefix=Live+sand&sr=8-3
5 gallons RO water from LFS: 7$
Aaaand there you go. Just a little under a hundred. It won't be optimal, but it's something. However, like everyone said, you're better off waiting and saving up money so you can start up proper.