black sand and holy rock?

[pewter_jean]

I see in Reggae Fish, and Chelsey Pico, that they used Black sand. Now that was something that I considered when I was setting up my 75 gal, but I was told that it leached something into the water, and it was more trouble than it is worth. Now I wonder if that is in fact true. I love the look of the black sand next to a black back. Also can one use Texas Holy Rock for Live Rock. I understand it would have a longer cureing time than live rock gotten at a LFS or the net. But then there is the factor of it being limestone or raising the PH levels. I'm not sure, It has been a while since I had concidered this. But I do plan on setting up the new tank down the road. So who knows.

 

[Chelsey]

Where'd you get the info that it leaches something into the water? There are several people on RC that use it and I've never read that anywhere. I'm not doubting you or anything, just worried that I might have to remove all of my sand! :eek1: The sand I bought was said to be inert, and it hasn't done anything that I know of so far, so I think mine is ok, maybe it's just a specific kind of sand? I have no clue about the holy rock, hopefully someone will have an answer for you shortly

 

[StupidsReef]

Texas Holy Rock ehh? Well I ain't never, and I used to be an O.T.R Driver. Now Texas has named the rock down there. Them southern folk need more SW tanks to giv'em sump-tin ta do!

 

[Shooter7]

I've heard of some folks on here using texas holey rock as base rock before. Haven't seen any particular problems posted. Don't know about the sand. Could be, regarding the leaching of stuff, that people were talking about black sand which originated from lava rock and there is concerns regarding not always knowing just exactly what all is in lava rock.

 

[ol'saltybastage]

crap i cant remember what i was told about the black sand... something about what its made out of.. it doesnt act as a buffer or something.. geez you get a few beers in you and everything goes fuzzy.. maybe if i drink some more it will all clear up.. wish me luck!

 

[pewter_jean]

The black sand thing I can't remember either. Before I was on RC, I was on another reef site. :eek1:
I know it is one of the stupid steps we all go thur, just like the skmmers, ( skilter,, sea clown ) then we finally learn enough to know that was a waste.
While on the other site when I posted that I wanted to use Black sand in my tank, Because I think it would look totally cool and be a nice contract to the colors of the corals. I was told repeatedly not to do it. It leaches something, It won't do this.
Hell, it been two years ago, and I work mid-nights, (mid-night workers can't remember anything, we walk around half dead all the time) that is why I'm asking you all.
As far as the holy rock goes, I do remember them saying something about the PH.

 

[Reggae Fish]

I use the Tahitian Black Moon sand and everyone on here and LFSs have always told me it's fine. I have no problems with mine. Easy to clean and doesn't show nearly the debris.


As far as the holey rock...I have no clue...In my opinion though, the holey rock would be much more expensive due to it's weight than doing base rock

 

[kpc01]

I have some holey rock in my tank, and its doing fine, had it over a year...it does have some algea on it, but doesn't do anything like live rock. Then again, I use it mainly for base rock.

 

[pewter_jean]

Well it there is now problems, then I could give it a try.