Does live sand have pests?

onlytoby · Apr 18, 2022

I really want to buy some Caribsea special grade but I can only find the Live version in the UK.

Does Live sand carry a risk of pests?

Jay Hemdal · Apr 18, 2022

onlytoby said:
I really want to buy some Caribsea special grade but I can only find the Live version in the UK.

Does Live sand carry a risk of pests?

That's a really good question. The origin of their product isn't clear. If they are collecting substrate from the ocean and bagging it, then there would be a slight risk. On the other hand, if they are mining the substrate and then growing nitrifying bacteria on it in ponds/vats, the risk is near zero. Another process they may use is to just spray mined substrate with liquid bacteria cultures - that wouldn't be any riskier than using the "bacteria in a bottle" products, so essentially zero.

Then, add shipping time to the UK for it, and I would say it is fine to use, the chance of any parasite living through that is slight. You could always rinse the material in freshwater before use (you would of course lose most of the beneficial bacteria).

Jay

john90009 · Apr 18, 2022

You are safe with the live bagged sand, the only thing really alive in it is bacteria. Fireworms and aptasia will not be in it, it isn’t that fresh.

onlytoby · Apr 18, 2022

Jay Hemdal said:
That's a really good question. The origin of their product isn't clear. If they are collecting substrate from the ocean and bagging it, then there would be a slight risk. On the other hand, if they are mining the substrate and then growing nitrifying bacteria on it in ponds/vats, the risk is near zero. Another process they may use is to just spray mined substrate with liquid bacteria cultures - that wouldn't be any riskier than using the "bacteria in a bottle" products, so essentially zero.

Then, add shipping time to the UK for it, and I would say it is fine to use, the chance of any parasite living through that is slight. You could always rinse the material in freshwater before use (you would of course lose most of the beneficial bacteria).

Jay

Thank you for the detailed answer!
Yes I think I will go for live sand then, because it seems like it's half the cost!
It's the caribsea Arag special grade and I know over in the states that's one of the most popular choices