Live sand from the beach?

[peterluber]

I live in San Diego and i was wondering, will real live sand from the beach work in an aquarium, because the sand here is great, teeming with cool shells and sandcrabs and such. Thanks ahead of time for your answers

[peterluber]

also, can i get live rock (only 10 or 15 pounds), or will this be too bad for the ecosystem

[benjen]

Depends on local laws. Many areas ban collection. However, California is temperate water, and you would need a chiller to keep the animals alive on your rock and sand alive. Chillers are much more expensive than heaters, so most people prefer to keep tropical aquariums.

Also, unless you collect below the low tide line, some of those crabs might decide to wander out of your tank and then hang out, waiting for the tide to come back in. ;)

[mogurnda]

Ben is right about the water temperature. Even in midsummer, the water temp doesn't get much above the mid-70s, and is in the 60s for most of the year. The infauna won't like being kept at tropical temperatures.

Having been busted collecting sand from the beach in San Diego, I'd say you'll need a permit. Who would have thought anyone would be watching the beach at 1 am?

[Avid_Aquarist]

...but would you collect beach sand if the water was aprox. the same temp of your tank?
the water here is warm enough... when my tank is ready, should i take some beach sand and mix it with play sand, or just use beach sand?

[becky_e]

In Hawaii there are laws allowing a certain amount of rock to be taken for aquariums, but I don't know the details. I'm sure black sand is not allowed. I know there are some members who live in Hawaii and know the rules pretty well.

BTW, I honeymooned in Hilo in 2000 and I'm really envious that you live there! I hope to go back there for a vacation again sometime!

[stephenray75]

gotta watch out for pollutants in the sand being how close to shore it is.

[thoap]

Here in Hawaii you are allowed 1 gallon of both sand and/or rock per day. As for the rock, I don't believe you can take it out of the water. It must 'wash' up on the shore.