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View Full Version : Live sand really is!


Blinky
12-03-2005, 11:18 AM
I never really bought into the idea that 'live' sand could be bagged on a shelf and remain living. I didn't understand, how could aerobic bacteria survive in a closed bag? Yesterday I went to the LFS to pick up some more sand for the new 65g, and all they had was Arag-alive. I figured it was worth a try, and grabbed a 20lb bag (this stuff is pricey, I figured I'd get some plain Aragonite at Big Al's today to finish off the sandbed). It's official, I'm now a believer, lol.
Yesterday the water tests were dismal and the tank stank to high heaven: NH3 >1ppm, NO2 0.5ppm. The water was still a little cloudy from the 10lbs of Aragamax and LR I added the day before. I threw in the bag of unrinsed live sand yesterday afternoon, and this morning I'm in shock! The tank is crystal clear, NH3 is <0.1ppm and NO2 barely registers. Wowee! I guess live sand is good stuff :D

mrsdorothy
12-03-2005, 5:57 PM
My lfs says it is the best thing I can get for starting a swt.

mogurnda
12-03-2005, 6:49 PM
Interesting. I have always been dubious, but there you have it!