INTERESTING QUESTION! Can I use live sand from the Ocean?

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

Hi All,

I live in FL and have access to get real live sand while scuba diving in the ocean. Would y'all recommend this as I know they sell live sand in the stores. Just seeing if this is any different than that and plus it being from the ocean near a reef which is thriving?

Thanks!

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

legionofdoon · Dec 26, 2023

Depends on how clean the source is. As in I wouldn't take it from the beach. Also Florida sand is high in silica. Also it tends to be yellowish. Honestly it doesn't look that good. A cup or two can help with biodiversity but you don't need to use only Florida sand.

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

legionofdoon said:
Depends on how clean the source is. As in I wouldn't take it from the beach. Also Florida sand is high in silica. Also it tends to be yellowish. Honestly it doesn't look that good. A cup or two can help with biodiversity but you don't need to use only Florida sand.

You do have a point the sand is slightly yellow. A cup or 2 may be a good idea and then mix it with store bought sand. Should I be worried about any pests in the sand?

ISpeakForTheSeas · Dec 26, 2023

I would check local regulations, as there's a very good chance taking sand from the ocean in Florida would be illegal.

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

ISpeakForTheSeas said:
I would check local regulations, as there's a very good chance taking sand from the ocean in Florida would be illegal.

I will check before I take anything. I just dive a lot and Ive always thought about it in a fish tank.

dadnjesse · Dec 26, 2023

I can't imagine taking a cup or two of sand that anybody is going to care.

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

dadnjesse said:
I can't imagine taking a cup or two of sand that anybody is going to care.

Thats what I'm saying, would be different if it was tons of sand but I was planning at most a 5 gallon bucket.

Reefering1 · Dec 26, 2023

FWC officers have a way of surprising people by what they care about.. that said, I know "a guy" ;-) who got a water bottle of sand from the keys a couple years ago w/no issues. Guess it all depends on if they decide to board your boat and check you out...

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

Reefering1 said:
FWC officers have a way of surprising people by what they care about.. that said, I know "a guy" ;-) who got a water bottle of sand from the keys a couple years ago w/no issues. Guess it all depends on if they decide to board your boat and check you out...

HAHA did said guy use that sand in his tank or just a souvenir?

Js.Aqua.Project · Dec 26, 2023

After browsing the FWC site I didn't see any mention of sand but live rock is a no-go.

Depending on where you're getting the sand from I would more concerned with waste (natural and human) than anything else.

Maybe strain it with some sea water before bringing it home?

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

Js.Aqua.Project said:
After browsing the FWC site I didn't see any mention of sand but live rock is a no-go.

Depending on where you're getting the sand from I would more concerned with waste (natural and human) than anything else.

Maybe strain it with some sea water before bringing it home?

My plan was to get sand at a depth of around 60ft so waste and other pollutants would be far less. thoughts?

PeterErc · Dec 26, 2023

I ziplock baggie of sand In your bc for added weight,

I would use it. Can’t be anything worse in it than cultured LR.

Reefering1 · Dec 26, 2023

HandsyLobster said:
HAHA did said guy use that sand in his tank or just a souvenir?

He put half in display and rest in refugium.. he may have noticed some small snails appearing several months later. And a piece of seaweed growing, in refugium, until the return pump sucked it up and sent it to the display- where his stupid tangs devoured it. He still hopes to see it pop up again...

Reefering1 · Dec 26, 2023

Js.Aqua.Project said:
After browsing the FWC site I didn't see any mention of sand but live rock is a no-go.

Depending on where you're getting the sand from I would more concerned with waste (natural and human) than anything else.

Maybe strain it with some sea water before bringing it home?

I believe certain areas are restricted from any and all collection, such as the actual reef where one might want some sand from.

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

Reefering1 said:
I believe certain areas are restricted from any and all collection, such as the actual reef where one might want some sand from.

Im trying to get it near the reef so maybe a piece of coral will fall into the bucket I'm collecting it in... Jokes!

Js.Aqua.Project · Dec 26, 2023

HandsyLobster said:
My plan was to get sand at a depth of around 60ft so waste and other pollutants would be far less. thoughts?

Depending on where your diving I would think you'd be fine.

I dive too so if you find yourself near in the North Central FL area let me know.

Reefering1 said:
I believe certain areas are restricted from any and all collection, such as the actual reef where one might want some sand from.

100% correct. Location even changes quantity of some collection of some species and whether or not you are allowed to collect and substrate with creatures like sponges.

So definitely be aware that you are not in any non-collection zones (like Blue Heron Bridge is now) as while they are aimed at creatures lifeguards and FWC officers are extra watchful in those areas.

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

PeterErc said:
I ziplock baggie of sand In your bc for added weight,

I would use it. Can’t be anything worse in it than cultured LR.

I think imma try it. Also what part of FL are you from?

Js.Aqua.Project · Dec 26, 2023

HandsyLobster said:
Im trying to get it near the reef so maybe a piece of coral will fall into the bucket I'm collecting it in... Jokes!

If you want softies (ie Zoas or ribbon gorgonians) you can get coral just stay within the limits. You can also collect most anemones too. We go to the Keys once a year for a trip as a family and do some near shore collection and I will sneak in a dive or two as well.

HandsyLobster · Dec 26, 2023

Js.Aqua.Project said:
Depending on where your diving I would think you'd be fine.

I dive too so if you find yourself near in the North Central FL area let me know.

100% correct. Location even changes quantity of some collection of some species and whether or not you are allowed to collect and substrate with creatures like sponges.

So definitely be aware that you are not in any non-collection zones (like Blue Heron Bridge is now) as while they are aimed at creatures lifeguards and FWC officers are extra watchful in those areas.

I mainly dive in the keys! FWC can always find a way to give you tickets so I'm going to ask them before hand.