Setting Up A 46 Gallon Bowfront

[Something'sfishy]

Hello,

I just posted in the new member area introducing myself, but have a couple questions about the new tank I'm setting up.

A couple weeks ago I found a 46 Gallon Bowfront on Craigslist for $25! The people were moving, and wanted to get rid of it fast. It was filthy, but with a bit of elbow grease, cleaned right up. At any rate, all my other tanks have been 29 gallons or less. I've heard that for bigger tanks, some people recommend a layer of styrofoam between the stand and tank to prevent the glass from cracking. Does anyone have an opinion on whether or not that's necessary?

Also. I picked up some Floramax substrate on clearance (I'm quite the bargain hunter these days! ). I've heard it's good to mix half and half with gravel for planted tanks. SInce I'll be going with low-light plants (at least until I upgrade the lighting), is this a good idea?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[TrainRek77]

I have a 125 and the stand doesn't even have a top. It's supported just on the edges. I don't think the Styrofoam will do anything. If you plan on keeping fish that like to dig, gravel is not your best option. I like the substrate from a site called aquarium plants dot com. They have some awesome stuff.

 

[onidrase]

I've got a 75 and 50 gallon with no padding underneath them what so ever. Don't need to worry about that as long as you keep them on a smooth surface.

 

[Something'sfishy]

Thanks for the replies! I'm not planning any fish that dig, so gravel should work okay. Maybe I'll venture into sand on the 26 gallon bowfront I'm setting up in a few months.