Deep sand bed question for 75 reef

[Volcmreefer]

I am setting up a deep sand bed in my 75 reef soon and have a quick question. I have 10 bags of nature's ocean sand that I bought some time ago. As some of you know, this sand comes bagged with seawater/bacteria. One of the bags leaked during transport and does not have the liquid in it. Will it be ok to add this bag to the system if I am adding another 9 bags that are wet? I will be adding live rock the same time (just before) I put the sand in the tank. Thanks in advance for your input and happy reefing!

-Jon

 

[djbon]

Should be okay but make sure you mixed it around. Nothing to worry as you are cycling your new tank. Let nature do it's job naturally and you are good go once things are in place. Take your time

 

[ca1ore]

I'd wash the sand that has dried out at least.

You're going to eat up at least 25% of you tank volumes with a DSB. Why not do it in the sump instead?

 

[Volcmreefer]

Cool. So should I mix a few wet bags with the dry one and then put into the aquarium? Or just spread the dry bag out real thin first and then add the wet stuff?

 

[Volcmreefer]

It would be the same as putting the sand in the display tank, right? I kinds want to see how my flow is through my sump before putting sand in my refugium.

 

[pyithar]

you could also do RDSB(DSB in a bucket). that way, you could easily take it offline if you don't like it anymore.

 

[cloak]

If the whole point of the DSB is to help with your nitrates then the more surface area the better. Setting up a 4-6" DSB in a small compartment in the sump is not going to be very effective IMO. I think you would be better off just keeping the sump bare or perhaps growing some chaeto in one of the sections. Whichever method you choose though, definitely do a lot of research before you take the plunge. There's more to a successful DSB then just a bunch of sand. GL.

 

[Volcmreefer]

I hear ya. I might just rinse that bag and put it in first. Then put the wet stuff on top. Not going to put sand in the refugium. Was thinking about the Fiji Mud. Anyone have experience with that product?