The Sand Bed Debate
- Thread starter OUBrook
- Start date
OUBrook
New member
~*Oh, for me to dream, we have to roll in some clouds.....*~
If I were to have the sump I want, I would take a section of my sump/fuge and enclose an end (or even a middle section) and fill the bottom of it a couple-3 inches with fine sand. Then get some coarser sand to lay on top of it, say 3 more inches or so (I'm totally making this up as I'm typing). Then I would have slits in the acrylic like in overflow boxes for water to pass through the sectioned-off sand. Then I would have mangroves in this sand-bedded section. Of course then chaeto, rubble, baffles, skimmer, etc.
How sad is it that I'm excited about a sump? Lol, what a geek...
If I were to have the sump I want, I would take a section of my sump/fuge and enclose an end (or even a middle section) and fill the bottom of it a couple-3 inches with fine sand. Then get some coarser sand to lay on top of it, say 3 more inches or so (I'm totally making this up as I'm typing). Then I would have slits in the acrylic like in overflow boxes for water to pass through the sectioned-off sand. Then I would have mangroves in this sand-bedded section. Of course then chaeto, rubble, baffles, skimmer, etc.
How sad is it that I'm excited about a sump? Lol, what a geek...
Roy G. Biv
Premium Member
Newb question. Can one use bags of playsand from HD to line the bottom of a tank... really cheap!
kpk
Been Reefin'
I think it's best to stay away from that sand. I think it is a silicate based sand and can cause problems. Let Paul fill you in on the scientific part of that.
I have read where some people where getting pulverized limestone from lowes and/or HD and having luck with it.
HTH a little.
I have read where some people where getting pulverized limestone from lowes and/or HD and having luck with it.
HTH a little.
djc1026
New member
There are varying views on the use of silica based sand. You can search RC and find just as many pros as cons. I believe Randy Holmes Farley actually discussed it a little in an issue of advanced aquarist a few years ago. Other experts have also chimed in that silica based sand being bad for a SW tank is more of a myth than fact, although there is some disclaimer that not all silica based sand is the same. I would do some research to see what brands others have had success with, or check out some other alternatives like Southdown... if you can find it.
Dave
Dave
Roy G. Biv
Premium Member
2nd newb question. The tank I am about to set up has 2 megaflows on the back.. when running there is about 18" of unused space on the bottom of the overflow. Is this a good space for a remote sand bed?
captbunzo
Premium Member
Just for the record, due to the fact that it's what I could get cheap at the time, my 5 gallon RDSB on my 55g tank is filled with Silica Play Sand. I have not noticed any particular problem, but have no real way to authoritatively say it hasn't caused a problem.
I should pick up a silica test and see if levels are higher then recommended.
Anyhow, the harm (or not) of using silica based sand in reef tanks is a highly debated issue. Recognized experts and pros in the field will go both ways on this issue. I personally don't think there is currently any definitive way of stating that it will or will not cause a problem.
I should pick up a silica test and see if levels are higher then recommended.
Anyhow, the harm (or not) of using silica based sand in reef tanks is a highly debated issue. Recognized experts and pros in the field will go both ways on this issue. I personally don't think there is currently any definitive way of stating that it will or will not cause a problem.
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