Mixing Sands - Different Grain Size

[FranktheTankTx]

I have 40 lbs of Figi Pink sand which is listed at 0.5mm - 1.5mm grain size. I was curious if there would be anything wrong with mixing it with a bag of Bahama Oolite sand which is 0.1 - 1mm grain size?

I thought maybe a finer grain size would be nice mixed in.

 

[an411]

I dont think that its bad to mix but it might not look to pretty with the different colors but that is a matter of taste.

 

[chimmike]

nothing wrong with a little mix and match

 

[sps1-2-b]

No prob with mixing, but over time the smaller grain will move to the bottom while the larger grain remain on top.

 

[FranktheTankTx]

FYI - the Figi Pink is not pink at all. No pink at all.

 

[backfish]

not a problem to mix- if you are looking to do the DSB for processing waste (Which needs to be an anerobic environment) several studies have shown that fine grade particles will work better and create the anerobic environment within a shorter depth. And like sps1-2-b pointed out, without disruption over time the finer particles will end up under the larger ones.

 

[SquidHC]

^ Also, diferent types of microorganisms like diferent sizes of substrate. I think that a variety is important and would recommend a mixture.

 

[backfish]

^ also true. This benifit of a mixure will be seen when the sand bed is not disturbed and the particle sizes seperate a bit. If the sand bed is constantly disturbed and mixed for whatever reason, the smaller particles will fill the space between larger ones and negate the benefit of larger particles creating larger spaces.

 

[cybershark]

ditto with sps1-2-b

 

[FranktheTankTx]

Ok - sounds like everyone says it's a good idea. I think I will get some. And it's not like the two sands in question are of much different size. Should mix really nice together.