Okinawan sand and rock question

[Ping]

I have family that regularly travel back and forth to Okinawa. I was wondering if it would be benificial or harmful to put a cup of sand and some rubble from there in my 100g reef tank w/sump. If benificial, should the sand and rubble come from a certain depth, or will low tide waist deep suffice?

[Ram_Puppy]

it would probably be benneficial, my only concern, and I am just pulling this off the top of my head, is what the water temp in okinawa is? is it still considered tropical? if so, you would be fine, but if it is cold water, than you would probably recieve reduced benefit.

I would have them collect from a natural beach, i.e. not one where they ship in sand, and I would think low tide waist deep would be plenty deep.

[Ping]

Okinawa is a subtropical climate. This would be from the southern most pacific side of the island. I am curious as to the benifits of different micro organisms introduced from different area's of the planet. Many of the fish and corals sold in pet stores live in the waters off Okinawa. Also, the water where the sand and rubble would come from are pristine.
would this produce good "live rock & sand". I was thinking of having it transported in a plastic container. Would I have to age the rock as I would if I purchased it from a pet store.

[Ram_Puppy]

well, first you are going to want to make sure there are no collection laws as far as the rock goes, you could end up in some serious problems if you get caught 'poaching' live rock. I doubt the sand will be a problem. If the trip back is going to take a while, I would go with a container and as much water as you can get in it without it being cumbursome, if it is a short trip (less than a day or 2) I would have them shovel it in a plastic bag and seal it nice and tight, just the sand/mud.

[MikeP]

Depending on the level of organics in the water it might 'spoil' and you'd have mass dieoff even on the relatively short plane ride back. I'd reccomend either using a small aerator or using newly mixed salt water before shipping. You will have die off regardless but if your aim is biodiversity you might lose most of it. Also fish and wildlife may not be too happy with you bringing foregin organisms back - you can risk carrying it on but who knows now what might happen. You might get it back to the states in atimely manner only to have customs seize your nice rock and lock it up for a few weeks.

[Ping]

Thank you all. I will check with Customs, Fish and Wildlife, and continue to gather information before I undertake this scheme.