CaribSea Substrates - DSB application questions

[Umbra_Vipera]

I was not able to locate anything in my area to use for a substrate other than the real expensive substrate products. So I bit my lip, pulled the trigger, and bought 180lbs of CaribSea substrate products.

Here's what I got.

• 2 - 40 pound bags of Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand
• 2 - 30 pound bags of Aragamax Surgar Sized Sand
• 1 - 40 pound bag of Ocean Direct (Live Sand)

First...I might be able to take some of this back as I have not opened the bags, but here's my issue. After I checked the web site, I discoverd that Seaflor is not ok for a DSB application. I was curious if anyone here knew why. According to their own comparison chart, Seaflor Special grade is not for DSB applications but Flamingo Reef Sand is. They both have the same average grain sizes so what's the difference? I have sent an e-mail to CaribSea tech support to see what they say but I thought I might get a faster response here.

 

[Grins]

Take the live sand back and exchange it for the regular aragonite. That will save you a little money. Not sure about the seaflor sand. I don't see where it can't be used on this site, but I'm thinking maybe because it has larger bits of shells in it?
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~substrates_calcium_reactor_media_caribsea.html

 

[Umbra_Vipera]

Funny thing...
The only reason I bought the variety that I did was because they didn't have anything else. What I bought was all they had. Plus...it didn't matter what I picked up...it was all the EXACT same price.

They only had two bags of the sugar grain sized stuff. Two bags of the Seaflor and like three or four bags of the OceanDirect (live). Because of that, I was actually thinking of taking the Seaflor back and getting the OceanDirect.

 

[Grins]

Same price for live? Interesting LFS you have there. =) Not that you need to this time, but have you checked to see if you have other LFSs in the area?

 

[Umbra_Vipera]

I spent most of the morning Tuesday driving around the KC metro to pet stores. This was the only one that had anywhere close to enough substrate to do what I wanted to. :wall:

 

[BMorgan]

I got the Ocean Direct myself and it works good. I plan to get more to make a DSB but it says on their website that it's not burrower friendly? I don't see why not. What would make it not burrower friendly?

 

[Umbra_Vipera]

I got the Ocean Direct myself and it works good. I plan to get more to make a DSB but it says on their website that it's not burrower friendly? I don't see why not. What would make it not burrower friendly?

I think that you might want to check again. This says that it is safe. You might have to scroll down in the frame a little to see the details.

 

[BMorgan]

Oh you're right. That's strange that the other page says that it's not, but like I said, I don't see any reason for it not to be burrower safe. I actually really like the sand and it's cheaper than other types of live sand too.

 

[Grins]

Odd, I'd think Kansas City would have a decent selection. Have you contacted the local reef club to find out where the local reefers are buying? I had no clue how many SW stores were near me until I did that.

 

[Umbra_Vipera]

Actually I have joined a local fish forum for the KC area. I have received a short list from them, and a couple I have visited. While there are several shops, I have to drive a looooong way to get to them. I live around an hour north of the edge of the KC metro area. It's like an hour and half to the first lfs. Then it's like another half hour to 45 minutes to another one. Of course there are the PetsMart and Petcos along the way....sort of.

I spend way more in gas shopping than I do getting setup. Case in point. Both tanks I bought...2 hour drive...one way. I have to drive an hour just to get decent fish food!