Ocean sand and water [Archive]

proverbs308

11-30-2007, 9:59 AM

I am considering starting a SW tank, and have been reading a ton hoping to make as few mistakes as possible. I periodically go to the Oregon coast and was wondering if I can start a new tank with sand from our coast and a little ocean water? Would this help the cycling of the tank to have a natural start? If this is a bad I idea don't worry I haven't killed any fish yet. I am just seeking advice from the best. Thanks everyone.

Cheech

11-30-2007, 10:09 AM

I wouldn't go that route.

There are lots of toxins/bacteria that you wouldn't want in your tank, that could be in the ocean water/sand. The ocean can deal with these issues seeing how it's got a perfect balance, but your tank may not be able to establish itself with whatever surprises may be in it.

If you want to use the sand, I'd suggest boiling it first, so you get rid of anything you don't want in there. But be sure you're allowed to take the sand. There might be laws against being able to take sand from the ocean.

Good luck !

Reefscape

11-30-2007, 10:12 AM

I wouldn't go that route.

There are lots of toxins/bacteria that you wouldn't want in your tank, that could be in the ocean water/sand. The ocean can deal with these issues seeing how it's got a perfect balance, but your tank may not be able to establish itself with whatever surprises may be in it.

If you want to use the sand, I'd suggest boiling it first, so you get rid of anything you don't want in there. But be sure you're allowed to take the sand. There might be laws against being able to take sand from the ocean.

Good luck !

Good advice, i agree..

One thing that has to be thought of, is that we have skimmers etc to remove gunk from our tank water, the oceans skimmer is the tide landing on the beach. Noticed the skummy froth at the water line of the beach? Well, thats the gunk that is naturally skimmed out of the ocean..

I dont think its worth any risk of putting an unknown into the tank..

Just my opinion

Niko

proverbs308

11-30-2007, 10:34 AM

Thanks that is the information I needed. I will definatly refrain from that course of action.