[Hi, im new here but have had fish a long time]

If you buy the in a store then yes that's what you will most likely get. mine come from a lake in Guatemala. Over time the colors and genes have been mashed together over time.

[Substrate for a new tank]

Im thinking sand. I really like black sand. I know many people that have used bdbs it but I never have. there tanks look go but

what type of sand? I have used some carbisea and it was very sharp but i know they make several types and some are not.

[Substrate for a new tank]

Ideas for 55 gallon aquarium substrate?

[Can you over filter a tank with sponge filters? Seeking opinions.]

I agree you aren't over filtering. Do you need all those filters? Probably not. You could remove a couple of the sponge filters but if you are happy with things the look and the way things are you can leave it. You will  be safe either way. If you do remove couple of sponge filters I would remove one and then let the tank run for a week or so and then ren remove the second just to give the tank time to get use to the change. In my experience fast changes are not normally good. when you make changes slower has always worked best for me expect in an emergency situations. 

[Hi, im new here but have had fish a long time]

I hear this was a good group to learn and share.  I have Esondidio Carpintis in a 200 gal.