Substrate?

[JakeCox]

I currently have a 75 gallon setup with 4 Juvi JD's and I'm planning on getting some type of Pleco soon for the tank to. I don't know what type of substrate to get or even how much of it to get. I was thinking 3- 20 lb bags of sand maybe. I like white sand better than gravel because I think the sand looks crisp with a single piece of huge driftwood in the middle of the tank as a centerpiece. What brands would you recommend because I don't have much time to spend washing it and my budget is about 60$.

Also what kind of heater? And I love airstones so I was thinking about putting in a Top Fin AIR 8000 ( rated for like 170 gallons) and putting 3 or 4 airstones off it along with red lighting from behind and blue or white above? I have 2 24" flourescent fixtures that I do not have bulbs for either. What would you recommend for these.

 

[benzjamin13]

Getting Pool Filter Sand is cheaper, but if you really want crisp clean white sand, Caribsea Super Naturals is pretty nice, but will get pricey at $20-$25 per 20 lbs bags. Maybe someone else knows a cheaper white sand. Sand is also more compact than gravel so I'd go with 80 lbs to 100 lbs depending on the depth you desire.

Jager Heaters or Titanium Heaters are the most popular.

As for bulbs...doesn't really matter unless you intend to grow plants. At that point, you'll need bulbs with a 6500K spectrum. If you like the blue look, go Atnic, but be aware of algae with those lights. I have found more algae grow in my tanks with Atnic bulbs.

 

[JakeCox]

Okay I don't want a super deep layer. Only 1/2"

And those are the two heaters my friend at the LFS recommended.

As for lights I want something blue or bright white, but I don't want to buy them from the LFS. Does anyone know what kind of bulb I should get from the Home Depot or Lowe's?