question about live sand

[scubaryan]

Does live sand truely work? I mean really, after sits on a warehouse floor for 2-3 weeks and then sits in lfs for 2 weeks. Is it still live? Thanks.

[brewercm]

What they are talking about is the bacteria that is in it when packaged. Of course you won't get the benefit of all the nice pods, micro-stars, and worms that you'd get from real live sand from an active tank. I picked up a bag once, but it was only because it was the only sand the place had and I was in a dire need at that time. I suppose it could help with the cycle time of the tank if the live bacteria is what they really clame it to be in the bag though.

Honestly I'd save my money, get regular sand and find someone with a tank nearby to get a cup or two of real live sand.

[hobogato]

Honestly I'd save my money, get regular sand and find someone with a tank nearby to get a cup or two of real live sand.

i agree.

[scubaryan]

Thats what I thought, Thanks
-Ryan

[loans_n_fishes]

Yeah, not worth the money. You can get the same effect with regular sand and live rock and/or a scoop or two of live sand from a friend's tank. (Just ask on here--I am sure someone will be more than happy to help you out. If you ever are in the Austin area, I'll give you some of mine.) You could then boost the cycle along by adding Biospira and feeding the tank. Should get you nice and cycled faster.

[erikharrison]

Right now at the coast there is a bunch of seaweed, which is full of goodies. I am going down there next weekend, and I can't wait to see what stuff i get out of it!!!!

[thedude]

I have to disagree that live sand isn't worth it for one glaring issue... rinsing dry sand is my least favorite job ever. For me, the cost of spending three hours rinsing bag after bag of dry sand is less than just buying the live sand in the first place.

[hobogato]

john, rinsing sand is no big deal as long as you prepare for it:

lawn chair, shade, icechest with your favorite 12 or so bottles of beverage, water hose, large tupperware container and stirring stick. ;)

[Ping]

As for the dry sand, I don't think you're supposed to rinse it. The tiny particles are what's desirable in that sand bed, no?


I dont rinse my sand, ever. Not even during a move. I do have a lot of patience. Waiting for the tank to clear and run it cycles.

[Thunderkat]

When I first started my tank I rinsed the water forever and it never came out clear. Finally I just put it in my tank and turned on all my equipment and the skimmer took the junk out of the water. Of course there was nothing else in the tank, not sure if you would want to do that to a running tank.

[sharkboy]

I have to agree with the dude, rinsing sand stinks! For lack of a more explicit term. Especially if your adding to an existing system, live sand makes sense.

[Ram_Puppy]

I never rises sand for a saltwate tank... for a freshwater w/ gravel? yes.... saltwater & sand? never ever.

I would quarantine whatever you get from the coast before you put it in your fuge.

[brewercm]

I don't rinse my sand either. I just put two 40lb bags into the new system with no problems but I was filling it slowly using my RO/DI so not a ton of water pressure.

Those small particles will eventually either get skimmed out or the bacteria will grow on them and they will settle to the bottom which is a good thing. The more bacteria the better.