Need your opinions.... and questions

[islandcreation]

1. Has anyone used tahtian black sand or seen a link. I did research all last night and the only drawback is that it doesn't buffer and I think that its really fine. I seen black sand used for nano tanks but never larger than that. There are going to be alot of you going what the hell am I thinking but tanks are a reflection of a person imagination and personalty. My imagination I guess is pretty out there! But inorder for my imagination to come true I need to make sure that this sand is possible. So far the only black sand found was tahtian black sand, I haven't seen any argonite (however you spell it).

2. Has anyone used their live sand after a move from tank to tank? I heard to only use the top inch and the rest you can't? I used all of my sand but waited 48 hours for my skimmer to skim away and everything was good. Maybe I just got lucky but want to hear your feedback.

3. Where is the strongest portion on a up stairs condo? I read that the outer walls have the most strength, is that true? Someone me to look for beams but I found only one that was exposed?

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Ok, I'll try to answer to your questions

1, You are right about black sand lacking the buffering capability, but that doesn't mean you can't use it in your reef tank, but you will need to have enough live rocks in your tank because those are going to be your only buffering material plus the stuff in your salt mix.

2, Reusing sand is fine as long as you skim heavy and get out all of the impurities and gas thats was trapped underneath the sand especially the deep sand bed. I've reused all my sand before with no problem. But the last time I upgrade my tank I only reused about 20% of the sand. I think replacing the sand is very important because after a while the sand will loose the buffering capability especially the fine sand. I generally replace half of my sand every year.

3, This question I'll leave to your condo architech :lol: you are taking a BIG chance so take that though out of your head :lol: as the nazzi said "no big tank for you"

 

[islandcreation]

How about a 65 gallon tank and a 72? They will be on seperate walls.

 

[jkreefer]

Ya, those are'nt considered big tanks, id say no problem.

I have had an almost black sand and I hated it. tried to change it out without taking live rock out and ended up with a mix of black and white and wasn't happy with it until my tank crash so when I set up the new tank I went all new white sugar size. But I also had the 90 gal fuge that never stopped.

 

[islandcreation]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10954263#post10954263 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jkreefer
Ya, those are'nt considered big tanks, id say no problem.

I have had an almost black sand and I hated it. tried to change it out without taking live rock out and ended up with a mix of black and white and wasn't happy with it until my tank crash so when I set up the new tank I went all new white sugar size. But I also had the 90 gal fuge that never stopped.

So your telling me its okay to have both of those tanks on a second story floor? Just want to confirm this... Thanks for your opinion.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Disclaimer: Although my title saids engineer on it, I am not an architech nor structure engineer so my advice on structure is best guess at best and should not be held responsible for any property damages.

Island ... Ok my answer to you is absolutely YES :lol:

 

[jkreefer]

just not on the same wall.

 

[islandcreation]

So when you say not the same wall... Does the wall have to be an outer wall? Or can it be a dividing wall? Sorry to be such a pain in the A$$ but I need to know to cleanse my mind.

 

[sulcata1619]

Best to keep them on a outer wall, unless you have access to the place below you. Some dividing walls might not be load bearing.

 

[crispyreef]

Just a point about the black sand. You won't get the reflection as of light as you would with white. But just a testimonial, I had black gravel with a little red when I had piranhas and loved it. So if you want it, go for it.