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I'm buying an 150g aqaurium from my LFS that is up and running, becuase they are moving. When I buy the tank, I get everything but the fish.I plan on having Tang Cichlids- Lamprologus Stappersi, Julidochromis Transcriptus, Altolomprologus Calvus, Cyprochromis Leptosoma, and Eretmodus Cyanostictus.

Right now they have a gravel set-up, but i was thinking about the shellies and the other Tangs. Should I replace the gravel while it is seperated from the tank or should I just use gravel? If so, what type of sand is the easiest to introduce to the tank, maintain, and is attractive. Also, how much sand will be need for a 150g? The dimensions are 48" tall 30" long and 24" back.

Thanks for the help!

I would change to sand. The sand I would use is Aragonite. It is basically Caribean sand, and basically finely crushed coral. It will leach calcium into the water helping to buffer and maintain the higher ph levels you need.

I would suggest you rethink your fish selection some. As the shell dwellers will compete for the shells, and some of those fish are extremely aggressive when it comes to their homes, and especially when they have eggs and fry. Also, you might arrange your tank so that there are areas of piles of shells in 2-3 different locations across the tank, don't just spread them out everywhere. This will keep most of them in their respected areas.

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