Live Sand

[Bearkat1234]

How much live sand should I buy if i have a 56g tank that is 30in long, 18deep and 24in tall?

does it come in 20lb bags?

 

[RocketEngineer]

If it comes in pre-packaged bags that sit on shelves for weeks/months at a time, how "live" can it really be?

Just use dry sand. If you seed the tank with decent LR, the critters in the rock eventually populate the sand. Or you can buy true live sand that is shipped just like fish, there are two places I know of that ship Gulf of Mexico sand straight to your door.

 

[Excelsior856]

Here's a handy link that will help you calculate depending on desired depth.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_educationcenter_calculators_sand_bed_calculator.html

Yes, usually in 20lb bags.

While I can't disagree with Rocket, I have used live sand for two tanks and (accompanied with adequate live rock) my cycles have both been swift and complete. For typically not a huge price difference I've always aired on the side of 'why not' with good results...

 

[billdogg]

^^^What he said^^^

Just get a cup or two from a local reefer or your LFS. Use dry for the rest. Spending big $$$ on "live" sand is a total waste of dollars that could be wasted - I mean spent wisely - on many other things in this hobby

 

[chicagoreefer20]

There are calculators to help figure out about how much sand you need. Use google.

 

[gone fishin]

On the home page left hand side under calculators there is one for the sand bed it is pretty close. FWIW I have always just got regular dry aragonite. Good luck

 

[Bearkat1234]

cool thanks