what type of sand do you use? What grain?

[BigShot]

I remember reading somewhere that aragonite is not necessary (might be even bad as it will clump?) for DSB. And this is good, because putting DSB of 4-5" on 180g can be quite pricy(with Caribsea for instance).
So my questions are what do you use? What are the alternatives to aragonite? What are their pros and cons?
Which sand is a definite no-no?
What grains do you use?

I'm looking for something that would allow denitrification, too.

Cheers,
Luke

 

[gcvt]

I used silica-based sandblasting sand in my tank and haven't had any problems in two years. It's pure white, and if I remember correctly, it's #125 grain...but I could be wrong on that. If Southdown/OldCastle sand was available in California, I would have used that instead because of its buffering capabilities.

 

[Aaron1100us]

Silica based sand is supposed to be good for algae:eek1: You want sand that fizzles in vinager. Get southdown sand for about $5 for a 50 lbs bag. That is what most use.

 

[BigShot]

So what exactly is Sputhdown sand? It buffers water too? Cool. Are there various grain sizes? If so what's the best on or best mix?

Thank you,
Luke

 

[BigShot]

Sorry, I meant what exactly is Southdown sand made of?

 

[Legal Reefer]

Southdown=aragonite=caribsea

 

[BigShot]

Aaron1100us, $5/ 50 lbs? Caribsea argonite (Southdown) is $30 (Cnd) per 30 lbs here at local store :-(

 

[Legal Reefer]

Caribsea comes in 40lb bags here (at least thats what I got). Good luck finding southdown--that is the problem

 

[R33f3r]

fiji reef sand from premium aquatics. It's real fine almost sugar sized.

 

[pncstod]

Southdown is the only thing we have over the west coast (California) here in the northeast

 

[Myka]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=2665513#post2665513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigShot Caribsea argonite (Southdown) is $30 (Cnd) per 30 lbs here at local store :-( [/B]

:eek2: The cheapest I found (and just bought) was 15 lbs for $35!! Dang, I wish I got the 30lbs for $30 instead of $70!!!! :rolleye1: