Which substrate is better?

[nanomania]

Hey guys, iv purchased 2 samles if sand from different online sellers, one looks very natural and all mix cream colour, other is pure white. Both are claiming that its natural aragonite. Is there any way to test? I cant afford buyin branded ones for a 180g. Here are some pics:

 

[Diesel]

Set them both on saltwater for 24 hours and test for Silicate, if it's high both aren't the ones you want in your tank.
Remember don't be shy on getting good sand as it can be the foundation of your tank as LR too.
Good luck my friend.

 

[nanomania]

Set them both on saltwater for 24 hours and test for Silicate, if it's high both aren't the ones you want in your tank.
Remember don't be shy on getting good sand as it can be the foundation of your tank as LR too.
Good luck my friend.

What if none has silicates? How to test for aragonite?

 

[Diesel]

None isn't possible, they all have some.
But you just can be to high, just don't remember what the acceptable # is but I think you can find it in here.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature1

#1 cause of diatoms during cycling is high level of silicate.

 

[nanomania]

None isn't possible, they all have some.
But you just can be to high, just don't remember what the acceptable # is but I think you can find it in here.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature1

#1 cause of diatoms during cycling is high level of silicate.

I know about silicates, all im concerned about is aragonite. Iv bought crushed corals once, and i still had diatom issues at the begining of cycling. Jus wana make sure if its aragonite or not.

 

[MaccaPopEye]

There is a test. I think it is to place a spoonful of each into a small bowl of vinegar (I think that's it). If it bubbles then it is aragonite sand. If it doesn't bubble then it isn't. As far as I remember the longer it bubbles for the better.

 

[Diesel]

Correct, vinegar will attack calcium.
You take all the guess work out if you buy just substrate that is recommended for reef tanks.
All you need for a 180 is four bags of reef flakes medium.

 

[MaccaPopEye]

I don't know about OP but I am in the process of setting up a 180g as well and where I live 4 bags of sand for a marine tank would set me back $300. So I will also be going with no name sand (around $80 for 4 bags).

 

[Diesel]

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/tropic-eden-reeflakes-grand-select-30lbs.html

The best sand there is and free delivery, 4 bags $160.

 

[MaccaPopEye]

Thanks but I'm not in the US so I am pretty sure international shipping on 4 bags of sand would probably blow the cost out a bit. I'm rural enough in Aus that our overnight shipping is still called "overnight" but takes 3 days minimum so postage to me is usually quite expensive and OP might not be in the US either, but if he is then that is a pretty decent price

 

[Diesel]

Thanks but I'm not in the US so I am pretty sure international shipping on 4 bags of sand would probably blow the cost out a bit. I'm rural enough in Aus that our overnight shipping is still called "overnight" but takes 3 days minimum so postage to me is usually quite expensive and OP might not be in the US either, but if he is then that is a pretty decent price

That makes sense of course.
Keep us in the loop with what kind substrate your going.

 

[nanomania]

Correct, vinegar will attack calcium.
You take all the guess work out if you buy just substrate that is recommended for reef tanks.
All you need for a 180 is four bags of reef flakes medium.

Im from india, we get redsea and caribsea here, but too expensive.

 

[nanomania]