Do I have to use aragonite sand?

[joem1cha3l]

Looking at getting some sand here this week and looking at my options...Do I have to use aragonite sand or can any type of sand be used? I have a 30 gallon tank, roughly how much sand do i need for a few fish, soft and LPS coral?

 

[bertoni]

Aragonite sand is not necessary, although I think it provides a nice look. Depending on the animals you want to keep, you might not need any sand at all. A 1" bed for looks should be fine, for that matter.

 

[joem1cha3l]

can I use standard filtered play sand?

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12222730#post12222730 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joem1cha3l
can I use standard filtered play sand?

your sand base and live rock for the biological filtration for your tank. I would buy good quality live rock and a good argonite for the substrate. For a 30 gal the little bit you save might come back some day and be harder to remove.

 

[seanb1]

for a 30 gal tank it would only take 1 bag anyways unless your going for a dsb.

for the job that arrgonite sand does and its relative cheap cost i wouldnt skimp in that area.

approximately 20 bucks, not so bad.

 

[Aquarist007]

here is an article that might highlight the importance of the sand bed more:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-06/rs/feature/index.php

 

[bertoni]

I don't think the sandbed is going to do much filtration, especially in that size tank. Silica sands are fine for live sand, in any case.

 

[seanb1]

ive been under the impression that arrgonite buffers your water.

 

[bertoni]

Aragonite doesn't do any significant buffering. It won't dissolve until the pH is very low. I have aragonite in all my tanks, and I still have to dose a buffer.

 

[joem1cha3l]

Will one 30 lb. bag work for my 29 g tank for a 1" sand bed do you think?

 

[sjm817]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12224951#post12224951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joem1cha3l
Will one 30 lb. bag work for my 29 g tank for a 1" sand bed do you think?

Yes, with some left over.