Aragonite: need to rinse?

[JARJAR]

Hello,

I decided to go ahead with a SSB of aragonite. I`m in the process of adding salt to my tap water. I would like to buy my live rock this week end. I`m wondering if I have to rinse the sand before to dump it in the tank. I don't want to trouble too much the water? What should I do?

 

[hans1976]

First, I would not be using tap water. RO or RO/DI.

If you bought the live sand, I would think not. as that is loaded with bacteria which you need. If you are filling your tank, then adding the sand, you are going to end up with a sand storm. That will take a day or 2 to settle down.

 

[bertoni]

You can rinse it if you want. That might reduce the "sand storm" a bit. I don't bother, but I pour the water onto a small container in the sand. Other people cover the sand with garbage bags.

 

[Teremei]

Rinsing the sand removes many of the tiny tiny particles that sand creatures LOVE! So I will never rinse super fine argonate like I did before. Just get ready for a long sandstorm.

 

[Blown 346]

I would also agree to get RO/DI, you will be glad you did in the long run.

 

[maloga3]

I just switched tanks and did not make the mistake of rinsing the sand this time!!! Its really not necessary, for instance, I bought live aragonite sand which contains buffers to keep pH at correct level, and beneficial bacteria of course...save time and effort and forget the rinsing...the garbage bag idea from above sounds good!! wish I knew that before last weekend...my tank was like milk but gradually got clearer over 3-4 days...good luck!

 

[maloga3]

Oh, and regarding the RO/DI filter...I got a great bargain from Ebay on one and its been great!!! I also just bought a TDS meter just to ensure that the water quality is really as good as the water parameter tests have shown.

 

[JARJAR]

Of course Ro/Di

Of course Ro/Di

Sorry,
I am not using tap water (forgive my lack of vocabulary) in fact, it took me 3 days to fill my tank with the Ro/Di....

Thank you for your comments...