South Down Sand w/Stream 6000

[beamer]

I have just gotten in my order of Tunze products , 2x Stream 6000, 2x magnet mounts, osmolator. My next purchase is sand. The sand at the LFS is so expensive. Carib-Sea which I like is $49. for a 40 lb bag. I would need about 6 bags. I really don't want to spend $300 plus for sand. (especially when there are more Tunze products that I want to get.)

What experience have you guys had with South Down If not South Down what do you prefer using and where did you get it and how much did you pay?

From what I read, from the perspective of DSB South Downs size would probably be best, but with the Streams is the sand going to be blowing around everywhere?

Thanks, Cindy

 

[rvitko]

I don't believe in DSB's or sugar sand so I am not much help their. I would use just plain old 2mm aragonite sand.

 

[beamer]

Hi Roger, when I say DSB I'm only talking about 3.5-4 in. I know some people use a lot more. I do like the size sand that you are talking about. How many inches do you reccomend?

Thanks, Cindy

 

[rvitko]

I just use 2" of sand. I get plenty of spaghheti worms and the like. It is the old school way but it works. I prefer technical equipment for filters because I have more control than with natural processes so I just don't build those into my systems.

 

[beamer]

Thanks, before I start placing my Stream 6000's is there a need for them to be washed with vinegar or anything before I put them in my tank?

Cindy

 

[rvitko]

No, they are ready to go. They are packed with a bit of glycerin but this is harmless to the aquarium.

 

[beamer]

Thanks Roger!

Cindy

 

[easttn]

I have 2x6100 and a SD dsb. DO NOT put in SD if you get these powerheads. I have a 180 G and both streams are on the minimum setting because I can't keep the sand down. I have lost a large Cap due to sand continually piling on it. As another side benifit of SD, it settles on everything and in you skimmer and filtration...don't do it. It is NOT TUNZE's problem, it was my lack of understanding of what flow really means. SD is pretty, but useless. JMO.

 

[beamer]

Thanks eastn, that's what I was afraid of. I actually like the look of the sand with a little larger particle. Not quite so fine as SD, however, I had an opportunity to get SD for $6.50 per bag vs. $49. of the other . I will go for the larger grain.

Any ideas where to buy on line or would shipping off set the savings?

Cindy

 

[keigle]

I have a 3-5" southdown sandbed and my 6000 dont move the sand at all. I think that in my case its because my tank is 28" tall and the streams are on the top 1/3 of the tank.

 

[beamer]

Mine is 24 in tall and I will probably have at least a 3 in sand bed so I guess I better stick with the other. I certainly don't want to have to change out the sand again.

Plus it looks like you have a huge tank, 215 gl compared to my 120.

Thanks, Cindy

 

[PRINCE_NAMOR]

Where did you guys get the southdown?

 

[Brewboy74]

I have had no problems with the southdown and my 6000's. As another said if you keep them high in the tank then you will be fine. Just don't put them into the tank until it has had a chance to develope sufficent biofilm to keep it in place.

 

[beamer]

Where did you guys get the southdown?

I'm not sure exactly, but through one of the clubs they did a group buy and it was a professional trucker that picked it up. I assume it was on one of his routes.

I decided to stick with the Carib Sea although I hate to pay the price. I have my 6000 powered down as low as I can and it is place up as high as it can go. The movement of the sand isn't too bad at all in this placement but I don't think it can handle my installing the other one until I am able to get the multi controller. I guess if my tank were a little longer it would help.

Cindy