Sakrete play sand

[sedor]

I just wanted to throw in that I used this same sand in 2 builds i've done in the past. Its great because its so cheap and it really doesn't cause any problems. However, its not a very effective reef sand. My powerheads (even when I used cheapo koralias) would blow it around like a snow storm, it would clump, and it just doesn't look as nice as a true reef sand does. But as far as causing problems because of silicates...simply not true.

 

[lordofthereef]

You need to read a bit more; first off Randy doesn't do this for a living; he is a knowledgeable chemist that is also a hobbyist. Yes the anaerobic activity can dissolve ca based sand and without the proper fauna sifting through it will form compacted zones. If the sand is disturbed rapidly or in large amounts such as by digging wrasse or by a hobbyist's hand, the aerobic zones will mix and disturb the anaerobic and not only lose the nutrient conversion ability but may also release excess nutrients back into the water column. If you don't believe a balance of anaerobic zones and fauna will work for your tank, go check out the ocean, its been successful for a while now. The key to the tank is balance.

This thread got bumped to the front again, which led me to notice this post. I am not sure where I came off not thinking that a balance of aerobic and anaerobic organisms "doesn't work". I was also referring to Randy being a biochemist by trade, not necessarily one that worked specifically with marine creatures. Frankly I am just blown away by your response, especially as a mod. I probably should not have even responded to something I missed 3 months ago, but something compelled me LOL. :lolspin: