Live Sand

[AdamT]

Hi again,

Still researching for my first SW reef tank. I don't have much to show from my first month of research. So far, I've only purchased one piece of equipment, my RO/DI unit (Filter Guys Ocean Reef +1). Don't even have a tank, sump, or stand yet, but I've got my RO/DI unit (hey, it's the one thing I can't screw up with my ignorance)

Anyway, I was reading this: http://www.ronshimek.com/Deep Sand Beds.htm and I'm wondering if I can just go the the beach and take some LIVE SAND from there for my tank. I live in Los Angeles, so I would not attempt to use coastal water in my tank, as it would surely be polluted. Does using coastal sand pose the same concern? If so, any recommended sources for good LIVE SAND (not Live Sand, for those of you who have read the article)?

Thanks!

 

[michaeldaly]

Yes it does pose the same risks, but I think that if you collect it just below the tide line it should be fine.

 

[drummereef]

You don't necesarily need 'live sand'. You can use dry sand as it will become live after a little time in the tank. I would be more concerned with pollution and toxins introduced from collected sand like that. Plus the possible die-off during transport. Good call on the RO/DI. It's a nice unit.

 

[AdamT]

I know you don't need to start with live sand, but I want to run a DSB and I'm intimidated by the prospect of having to select and mix just the right types of sand together to get all the grain sizes I need. I should probably be more concerned with pollution though. Any good brands or suppliers of fine substrate suitable for a DSB? Any recommendations for "detritivore" or "recharge" kits?