Mixing live sand

[bryan.wilson79]

I'm setting up a new tank this weekend and only ordered half the sand I need. Question is can I mix 2 different types of live sand..I have 20 lbs Caribsea special grade reef but I don't think my LFS has the same.I know they have the same CaribSea live sand just s different type than the reef grade..Can I buy another 20 lb bag and mix the two??

 

[Ron Reefman]

You can...but. If they are different size grains they will slowly separate over time with one rising to the top and the other settling to the bottom. If they are close in size, you may not even notice. If you intend to vacuum the sand and keep it stirred up, it will be OK. Even if they do separate in layers, it shouldn't be a big issue.

 

[johnike]

NO!! IT WILL EXPLODE!!!

Just kidding, I have a mixture of several sands in my systems.