[MHenderson5581]

Is there a certain type of mix I could use to build the DSB that I want without paying a butt load of money for nothing but live sand?

[pogodzib]

The cheapest (and in my opinion best) way to get a good assortment of critters in your DSB would be to start off with non-live sand and then get some live rock and live sand from other local reefers or your LFS to seed it. The "live sand" (in a bag) you buy in stores does not have any critters in it, all it has is bacteria to help speed up the cycle. If you can't get any live sand from local reefers, you can just seed your DSB with your live rock.

[glampka]

I agree with pogo. You don't need to use all live sand - it can be a blend. I would also suggest you check out Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation Home Page & get some of there GARF Grunge. That stuff is just loaded with all sorts of worms & little critters. I would use it under your top layer of sand since it sometimes comes in rather coarse.