Opinions on Live Sand

[CodeBlueMedic]

Howdy Folks,

I'm interested in swapping out the sand in my 125gallon FOWLR. It currently has hawaiian black, which I'm not a big fan of...Takes away from the beach feel. I'm wanting to swap it out for some aragonite, but my question is this...I was planning on doing all live sand, but I found a good deal for 40# bags of dry special grade aragonite for $25. Would it be feasible to buy a couple bags of that and the rest wet sand? Main reason for doing so is that it would save me a ton of money that I could put towards other things.

The tank currently has a porc puffer and a fox face.

 

[gone fishin]

I personally cannot justify the added expense of "Live" sand. I have always used dry and rinsed It well. The dry sand will eventually become live. Just my 2 cents.

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

I personally cannot justify the added expense of "Live" sand. I have always used dry and rinsed It well. The dry sand will eventually become live. Just my 2 cents.

What's the best way to rinse it and is it necessary when you buy dry sand?

 

[gone fishin]

I dump it in a 5 gal bucket to about 1/2 full. Then I just rinse it with some tap water until it is clear, kind of mixing as a I rinse. The dry sand will have some dust and a bit of gunk floating around in it. Once it is clear I dump it into another bucket. Then repeat until all your sand is rinsed.

 

[CodeBlueMedic]

Rinsing with tap isn't a problem with chlorine or other impurities?

 

[Silvergryphon]

After last rinse just fill the bucket with RODI water and add a little bit of prime or other dechlorinator.

 

[reepher315]

Id buy live rock before live sand.

Also second rinsing dry sand. The dust seems endless.

 

[reepher315]

Also be careful removing your sand if its a mature sand bed. You can release toxins and wipe out your whole tank.

 

[rfgonzo]

^^^^ Good point, You should remove the sand little by little over the course of a month or so. I personally prefer live sand as dry sand takes for ever to wash thoroughly, can be done easily I just don't have the patience for it unless it's a small amount.

 

[gone fishin]

After last rinse just fill the bucket with RODI water and add a little bit of prime or other dechlorinator.

Thanks for the save I was headed out to work.

 

[avandss]

Also be careful removing your sand if its a mature sand bed. You can release toxins and wipe out your whole tank.

very wise,

also live sand is a waster of money, nothing live with a bag of sand!

do a little at a time