Sand, sand, spam---uh, sand...

as40

as40

Give it to us raw and wriggling!
Oct 12, 2003
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Ventura, CA 93003
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Hello all!

I'm researching sand. I've read quite a few articles, some of which are as follows:

http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/livesand.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/deepsandbeds.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marsubstr.htm

I'm a bit confused on certain points, and have several questions. I'm helping a friend set up his first tank, and want to make sure we do it right. I'm also considering doing some modifications to my tank, but I will elaborate that further on down the road.

The various sources that be seem to contradict each other or themselves at certain points. So here are my questions. Sorry it's lengthy, but thank you everyone for your time, consideration, and help, in advance.

1. It is suggested to have various grain sizes, however, nothing too big. Something on the order of 0.5-1.2MM, correct? Unfortunately, out here there's no way of getting cheap aragonite sand at any store, be it Walmart, Home Depot, etc., so thinking of going with some CaribSea from an affordable wharehouse not too far off. This is what I was thinking of:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0930
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0932
Is it okay to mix, since they're very close in grain size, and in what proportions (50-50, 75-25, etc.)? I want to have the mix to try and prevent too much compaction, and for two goals, both the nitrate reduction and to allow growth of copepods and plankton. Suggestions for other combinations welcome. :)

2. Sand sifters. In the first article above, the author does not advocate the use of sand sifters, other than the microbial life-forms inhabiting the sand. Everyone else's articles seem to advocate the use of them. Also, with my tank, I've got a sand-sifting star. Was thinking of trading him in, as I've read a lot lately that says they do damage to your LS by eating up all the benificial organisms in it. Opinions?

3. I've read that an aragonite DSB will eventually dissolve as the calcium is absorbed into the water. How fast, typically, does this occur, and are there means to offset or slow down the dissolution? I read that certain additives that are meant to help buffer the dKH might actually speed up this process? Truth to this? I dose calcium daily; if the calcium level in the water is maintained, does this do anything to slow down the dissolution? Sorry if some of my questions sound repetative. :confused:

Thanks again for any advice that can be offered.
 
1. Don't be afraid to use silica sand. I have it in my tanks, and have been happy with it. It will not help buffer your tank, but otherwise is fine. Otherwise, I would go with whatever gives you the variety of particle size and color that you like.

2. I like snails and worms for my sand bed. Some of the other animals, like the stars and cucumbers, seem to go through the other fauna quickly, IMO. Haven't had other than a single star, so can't really say for sure. Keep in mind that while there are a lot of highly respected figures in this hobby, it's still more art than science, and what works perfectly for one person won't work at all for another. Experiment a bit, and see what works best for you.

3. Crushed coral is supposed to 'dissolve' too, but actually, this is seldom the case. Neither breaks down very quickly, since they are only losing mass when pH drops significantly, and only a few molecules at a time even then. I'd say it's a safe bet that you'd have to tear everything down and weigh it on a very accurate scale to detect any losses.
 
Thanks OG, as usual, you've been a godsend. :)

My reasons for wanting aragonite over silica are threefold; first, and most importantly to me, the buffering capacity. Second, I like the look and feel of it better. Third, peace of mind. Some of those art/science folks wrote at great length about how sometimes during the manufacturing process silicone sand can contain contaminates or impurities that wouldn't be good to introduce into the tank. Also, I was reading that the silicone is shaped differently somehow than the aragonite, so it could compact more.

But in any event, your information is good to know, and once again, thank you.
 
Silica sand will form anaerobic areas just as well--those areas rely on smaller grain sizes, not composition. Crushed coral will not form anaerobic areas, because it will not compact enough to prevent water movement unless you have about 18+ inches of it. Check out Fish Whisperer's stickied thread for more.
 
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