Confused about which sand to get.

M

mmotown

Active member
Guys I am in the process of cooking my rock. I initially wanted to go bare bottom but I want to add sand just for aesthetics. I am thinking about purchasing a wave maker to go with my Tunze. I have also purchased a sulfur denitrator. What I want to know is what sand can I go with that won't be too large to become a detritus magnet and not too small to blow around. Not looking for the sand bed to become anerobic. Please advise. Thanks
 
I would go with the crushed Argonite sand or crushed coral. I think this type would be easier as it probably won't get blown around. Also it will probably be easier to vaccum.
 
you might want to try a barebottom with starboard? I love the look of my tank.

If you must go with sand, I'd use the aragonite sand. It's a good size that won't get suspended too easily in the water column.
 
i use aragonite, and it is very easy to vacuum when i need too, its heavy enough to float the vacuum hose over the substrate and get the crap while leaving the sand.
 
I'm tagging along as I'm in the same boat. I tried using .01 to .75 sized sand but my closed loop blew it everywhere. When you guys speak about aragonite what size aragonite sand do you use in your tanks? I'm leaning toward the 0.75 to 1.50 sized sand. Is this right or should I get something heavier?

Thanks
 
I have used crushed coral and do not recommend it. It is too course and will retain a higher level of fish wastes and excess foods.

I believe the best size is the argonite mixed sand (not just the sugar size sand which is too fine and will blow away easier). The mix will help to prevent the wastes from entering your sand and can be cleaned of the surface.
 
Southdown is legendary in the Chicago area, but nobody knows where to get it anymore. That link you provided will prove to be very useful when I share it. People are going to like me now.
 
I posted that link in the CMAS forum and this was the reply I got...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14893822#post14893822 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jeff
They may call it Southdown in the ad but I think it's the regular silca based Kolorscape sand. They have not made Southdown in a few years and when they did, it wasnt from that manufacturer.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot. In the same day, I've had to deal with this embarrassment, and a mod making fun of me because I misspelled
"Bryopsis" at 2 in the morning (I was tired. I'm sorry.). At this rate, the chicks will never dig me.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14897773#post14897773 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Helter Skilter
I posted that link in the CMAS forum and this was the reply I got...



Thanks a lot. In the same day, I've had to deal with this embarrassment, and a mod making fun of me because I misspelled
"Bryopsis" at 2 in the morning (I was tired. I'm sorry.). At this rate, the chicks will never dig me.
Click to expand...

Ouch, my bad. I didn't post that to get you made fun of.....or did I? :p

Well if it's silica based that would not be a good idea I guess, time to get rid of that link on my list.

:cool:
 
Live Sand

Live Sand

I am just curious as to if anyone has "harvested" live sand from their local beaches....more a question for those of us lucky enough to live close to the ocean.

I live in CA and very close to the Monterey Bay...would one be safe in going to one of the cleaner beaches and wade out some distance and dig up 5 or 10 gallons worth of sand? Kind of off topic sorry.:D
 
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