sand and skimmer

[f150]

Hey everyone im starting up a 150g w/30g sump i was wondering 2 things. Do i have to buy all live sand if not how do i go about it? 2nd will a MSX 200 be a big enough skimmer for a light load? Thanks Mike:confused:

[PRDubois]

So you will have 180 gal total
Since most skimmers are rated at half of what they will do!!
And you probally wont have a "Light Bioload"
I would go with the MSX250

Skimmer Light Bioload Medium Bioload Heavy Bioload
MSX200 350 230 175
MSX250 640 425 315

[E.intheC]

Good suggestions on the skimmer, from what I've read. You don't have to buy all live sand. If you go the sand route, make sure you have less than 1inch of sand in your display.

Aragonite is the best. Live sand in a bag is complete hype and a marketing ploy. I don't believe for a second that the bacteria in that bag of old, room temperature water with no food is alive. If by live sand you mean taking some from an already established tank, you can get a cup or so full and use that to seed it.