Seeding sand

[Andy16]

Is it possible to seed 'dead' sand with LR? the reason i want to do htis(if it is possible of course) is because i brought sand home from florida and want to use that instead of mixing it to avoid getting hte colors mixed.

[OrionGirl]

Yep, not a big deal at all. The bacteria will spread all over on it's own, and bristle worms and such will move off of the live rock as well. You can purchase detrivore kits from a few online stores--no sand, but a variety of the beneficial critters. Even without that, though, good live rock will provide lots of critters for your sand.

[SamsonNY]

Originally posted by OrionGirl
You can purchase detrivore kits from a few online stores--no sand, but a variety of the beneficial critters.


Any recommendations of which sites?

And, you just spread them along the sand (aragonite)?

Thanks.
Richard

[OrionGirl]

Garf.org is a good source--their packages are highly recommended by a trusted friend. MarineDepot.com offers live sand kits, and they come with many of the smaller detrivores, but not snails and crabs--not many worms, from what I've heard.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?siteid=25&pCatId=420 has some detrivore packs, but none with bristle worms.

The best place that I've seen for a true micro fauna detrivore kit is http://inlandaquatics.com/prod/prod_detrit.html. Haven't purchased one, but I've read numerous positive posts about the quality and quantity of thier goods.

[SamsonNY]

Thanks.

[Ray Pollett]

Another place is www.ipsf.com

They sell a 9 for $99 mix. A lot of people buy from two places to get a wider vareity.

Ray

[SamsonNY]

Thanks Ray.

After talking to Mike at Inland Aquatics, I realized I have to wait until after my cycle to put in the detrivores. (for some reason, I thought I read on one of the posts that live sand could be put in right away and live rock had to be put in after the cycle; or at least after the ammonia came back down to 0).

[Ray Pollett]

SamsonNY,

I usually cycle my tanks with live sand and the LR in it. But I seed it with LR and sand from an already cycled tank. I also use a filter from an established tank. After the cycle I put in the clean up crew and detrivores. I then feed the tank 3 times a day with flake food. I wait 3 weeks from then before I add any fish.

Ray

[Andy16]

thanks, just so i get this right, i dont have to use LS if i dont want to. plain sand is just fine and will eventual turn into LS.

[Ray Pollett]

In theroy that is correct. But from my experience useing some LS from a few different places along with the detrivore kits pays big dividends down the road. You only need small amounts from each place. I use about 1/2 pound from 3 different places when I set up a new 125 gallon tank.

Second when I say live sand(LS) I am not just talking about the bacteria. I'm talking about sand with pods and worms and all kinds of life. I always include the Live sand activator from www.ipsf.com It is one of the choices in their 9 for $99. I als get some sand from other established tanks that have heahty critters in their sand.

Ray

[Andy16]

so u got ur LS from 3 different lfs or 3 different establised tanks? My main reason for this is to save money and also not discolor my sand.

[Ray Pollett]

Healthy LS will almost always change colors. It may be shades of brown, or have reds, green and purple in it. I've never seen healthy LS that was pure white.

Ray

[Andy16]

i guess but it would be better if it was a shade of brown rather then a shade of light and dark brown.