Sand ?

BluegrassReef · Nov 15, 2009

I have 2 different types of sand for my new build (2 40 breeders)....Both buckets were at one time Live......they have been in the buckets at least 8 months I plan on rinsing them really well before using them.

one is sugar fine and the other is a bigger grain sand.

Question:

Is it a good Idea to mix the 2 together for a 1-2 inch sand bed for the display tanks....then use a 4-5 inch sand bed in a dedicated fuge.

nayrgaijin · Nov 15, 2009

Nothing wrong with mixing them, but like you mentioned rinsing them out really good, be sure to do so really well

BluegrassReef · Nov 15, 2009

nayrgaijin said:
Nothing wrong with mixing them, but like you mentioned rinsing them out really good, be sure to do so really well

Thanks....I was wondering if the 4-5 inches in the fuge would benefit in keeping things more stable....act as a deep sand bed of sorts.

Harry_Y · Nov 15, 2009

How old is the sand?

It may be better to buy new to ensure
it is not loaded up with phosphates.

BluegrassReef · Nov 15, 2009

Harry_Y said:
How old is the sand?

It may be better to buy new to ensure
it is not loaded up with phosphates.

at least 8 months....stored wet in 2 5g buckets....I think I am going to make some fresh sw and run a skimmer for a week or so with it stirring it while the skimmer is going and then rinse it really well.

Harry_Y · Nov 15, 2009

How long was it in the tank before?

BluegrassReef · Nov 15, 2009

Harry_Y said:
How long was it in the tank before?

I am not sure on that harry

Harry_Y · Nov 15, 2009

Sand is cheap, Personally I would not use it.

cntryboi407 · Nov 15, 2009

BluegrassReef said:
at least 8 months....stored wet in 2 5g buckets....I think I am going to make some fresh sw and run a skimmer for a week or so with it stirring it while the skimmer is going and then rinse it really well.

I would do this. It'll definitely help.

BluegrassReef · Nov 15, 2009

Harry_Y said:
Sand is cheap, Personally I would not use it.

Maybe for you Harry...:bigsmile:

Around here LS is $45 (10 lb) a bag at the LFS...why I shop online for what I need....shipping would kill me on sand......now I do not know what to do.

Harry_Y · Nov 15, 2009

Marine Substrates: Ocean Direct Caribbean Live Sand at Drs. Foster & Smith

I think Shipping is 6 bucks

cntryboi407 · Nov 15, 2009

Don't worry too much about it. Just rinse it in saltwater so you don't kill any of the good bacteria and run it in the tank with a skimmer. Another option if your worried throw some Phosban in there and that will clear up any excess phosphates.