DSBB? used sand

[Robert Patterso]

Can you use old sand out of another system for dsbb as long as it's thoroughly rinsed without any worries of phos ect. unbinding? Although this can be an inexpensive method for denitrification if you want to use oolitic sand it can be very expensive. $20 versus $60-100. I would prefer to use argonite over silica for alk. purposes, but is it worth the difference in expense. By the way I do support my lfs 80-90% of the time, but almost $25 for 22# bag of dry bag of argonite sand is a little steep for me. Any suggestion as to where to get it cheaper or just use silica sand (sandbox sand) ? I'm new to this forum and just now read thread w/ A. Calfo. Great idea this dsbb. While this is a denitrification process, I see that it also binds phosphates also. Does this mean that it will help keep phosphates in check also?

Thanks for any info. on this subject.

Robert

P.S. sorry no quote here

 

[outy]

i use old sand washed very well but on the last batch i did mix it with new sand. some have reported cyano with old sand but then again i see that with most new sandbeds anyway as they break in.

i use 1" [silica] of 5" in my dsb on the very bottom. it will irratate certain sand sifters ect as the edges are sharp on that type of sand. so where mine is at my inverts ect wont ever get that deep.

 

[Robert Patterso]

What i'm talking about is dsbb (deep sand bed in a bucket) not in display for denitrification, is that what you are doing? I can use silica sand but would prefer to use argonite oolitic sand. It's just so expensive. I do have access to plenty of used sand just not sure if rinsing it will be enough. Don't want phosphates to unbind from old sand!

 

[Agu]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7912314#post7912314


fwiw,

 

[Robert Patterso]

Thanks, then that's what I'll do. headen out for new sand now.
Thanks,
Robert