All you EVER wanted to know about Southdown

[dan19955]

sorry pikachusalad i just took this thread a little off topic

It is about southdown and has been for Years!!!!

Oops. sorry

 

[timrandlerv10]

when was the last time anyone has seen southdown either @ HD or anywhere else?

 

[jer77]

Some local groups or reefers may have stockpiled some from days of old so try and look there. I know I found a guy who saved a bunch and I got it for free.

 

[WaterKeeper]

A turkey baster will help you blow the sand out of the LR niches and crannies.

Southdown passed away a couple of years ago and this thread is the main one we have for resurrection.

 

[Thinslis]

Looks like I missed the Southdown bus buy... a few years? =(

 

[WaterKeeper]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10595601#post10595601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Thinslis
Ok I have a line on some Southdown at $20 per 50# bag (Plus gas to get it) is it really that much better then Toys R Us sand at $6 per 50# bag?

f that other thread you posted is true you will be a real popular reef keeper in the Madison area. Bring a semi.

 

[Thinslis]

True.. BUT... I have to drive 5 and a half hours to get it....

 

[Thinslis]

Honestly, if I can get the seller to drive an hour, is it worth 4hr drive to ge the soutdown over other sands available local?

 

[WaterKeeper]

IMO, yes!!!!

 

[NeveSSL]

If only one of us could source some aragonite sand, get the cost down to about $20 per 50lb bag, one could make a fortune!

Brandon

 

[Chibils]

With Southdown dead, what's the recommended play sand of choice?

 

[NeveSSL]

Usually quickcrete, I believe.

Brandon

 

[Thinslis]

6 bags of Sothdown $100... I have to make the drive now... can't pass it up.

 

[Macimage]

Oh I remember so well the joys of Southdown!!

Joyce

 

[aceheart1976]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10598832#post10598832 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NeveSSL
Usually quickcrete, I believe.

Brandon

wondering if this is actually a good sand for an aquarium, anyone has any exp. using this sand in their tanks?

 

[WaterKeeper]

There are some myths about silica sand. They tend to promote the idea that it leaches silicates into the water column. That is not true and they are no more soluble, for the most part, than the glass panels in one's tank. True they do have sharper edges than aragonite sands but not enough so to be a concern. Even with true aragonite, its contribution to maintaining alkalinity and Ca levels is not all that great. I prefer aragonite but see nothing wrong with silica sands.

 

[clowntang]

Somewhere in this thread I mentioned about Southdown,
and I still have 6" of it in my reef, and about 3" in the sump
.... well for over 5 yrs at least.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

I prefer aragonite but see nothing wrong with silica sands.

Agreed. Now, with that said, I have my doubts that the silica in the sand (SiO2) and the glass of our tanks (~70%+ SiO2) is completely inert in saltwater. But, when and if glass/quartz releases any usable silicates, it will readily be taken up by other lifeforms, most likely without the aquarist ever noticing. Now, I contribute the original blooms of any algaes (micro, macro, diatom, etc) to the purity of the sand itself. Often "play sand" (and even aragonite or crushed limestone) is pretty nasty and dirty, and the nutrients and other chemicals that are in it can quickly be taken up by lifeforms and visually seen by the aquarist as a "bloom". Once all this stuff is taken up, you'll rarely see any blooms again.

 

[WaterKeeper]

I've always attributed the diatom bloom in a newly setup tank to be caused by encrusting sponges dying on the LR and releasing soluble silicates into the water column. I've never attempted to quantify this however so it is speculation on my part.

 

[BZOFIQ]

is this sand still available anywhere....is there a replacement.

I wish someone is NYC area is willing to part with bag(s), as I would be interested in buying.

Please reply.