set up tank

Question
First, what will happen to live sand if it freezes during shipping? Secondly I'm planning a 47 gal. tall saltwater tank and could use any tips to set it up right so nitrates stay low down the road. I've got a Magnum 350 canister filter now and a good light. Not sure of the best media to run in the filter. I plan on getting a tap water filter to fill the tank, a good protein skimmer, 40 lbs. of live sand and 45 lbs. of live rock. Anything you can tell me will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks! Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

I reside in California, however I am a member of the Wisconsin Reef Aquarium Society, I mention this because I noticed you were from Wisconsin. I'd recommend to join this forum, and continue asking questions from other well seasoned saltwater hobbyists. They enjoy nothing more than passing tried and true methods down to help others...

http://www.wireefsociety.com/

See my answers to your questions below:

Live Sand that fully freezes, would not be considered Live Sand anymore, because all of the live beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms contained within the sand would die off. However don't render the sand useless, it can still simply be re-seeded once again. Also you can add products such as Brightwell Aquatics MicroBacter 7 or TLC StartSmart Complete which contains liquid beneficial bacteria to help you seed your live sand and which helps to jump start the nitrogen cycle also known as the biological processes in your aquarium.

To help keep nitrates down, use plenty of porous high grade live rock and base rock. This will give plenty of surface area for beneficial micro-organisms to flourish.

Good material to run in a canister filter would be high grade activated carbon, and any good ceramic filter media.

From what you've mentioned it sounds like you are definitely on the right path. Take it slow, patience is key. And keep asking a lot of questions or grab a good saltwater marine aquarium book or two, and read... read... read...

I wish you luck with all your saltwater aquarium endeavors.