Getting LS from the beach?

[RichardPryor]

I've seen some nice looking sand beds, different colors, different grains... I have access to a boat and always figured I'd go deep into the sea and get some 'real' LS. Plus it would help save some money.

 

[IHOP]

You need to be careful as you may introduce some things you might not want in you tank.

 

[Aquarist007]

live rock and the sand bed form the basis of your biological filtration for the life of your tank--don't skimp on these--but a good argonite and quality live rock. Besides for a 29 gal you wouldn't be saving much.

 

[RichardPryor]

You need to be careful as you may introduce some things you might not want in you tank.

Can you be a little more specific?

live rock and the sand bed form the basis of your biological filtration for the life of your tank--don't skimp on these--

First, it's for a 75g... my bad. Second, skimping is not the main concern. How can real live sand from an uncontaminated beach be bad for an aquarium?

Don't skimp on LR.
Don't skimp on LS.
Don't skimp on a protein skimmer.
Don't skimp on water.
Don't skimp on lights.
Don't skimp on refractometers.

Is there anything I can skim on?

 

[hanas]

as long as you go farther out into the ocean (which you said you're planning to do) I really don't see any problem at all.

If you were collecting straight from the beach, then that's a different story since a lot of pollutants wash up on the shore

 

[bertoni]

Unless the sand is from a tropical area, the life in it isn't going to be useful. I'd be worried about possible contamination from on-shore sources, but I don't know where you're located.

 

[RichardPryor]

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11679685#post11679685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichardPryor
Can you be a little more specific?



First, it's for a 75g... my bad. Second, skimping is not the main concern. How can real live sand from an uncontaminated beach be bad for an aquarium?

Don't skimp on LR.
Don't skimp on LS.
Don't skimp on a protein skimmer.
Don't skimp on water.
Don't skimp on lights.
Don't skimp on refractometers.

Is there anything I can skim on?

yeah--your meals--you need the cash for the things you shouldn't skimp on:lol: :rollface: :lol:

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11680385#post11680385 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichardPryor

now your talking--I've changed my attitude--can I have some too:smokin:

 

[bertoni]

Hmm, I'd give it a shot.

 

[wachuko]

hummmm... get it on your way to Culebra...

 

[on_ice]

Shoot me a hogfish while you are at it!

 

[RichardPryor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11681251#post11681251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wachuko
hummmm... get it on your way to Culebra...

This is exactly what I planned on doing!