Almost ready...starting with sand

gkw · 12-16-2005, 07:46 PM

OK, I am almost done with my stand and I am trying to plan ahead (alittle).

I am struggling with the substrate. I've been looking for oldcastle and the likes with no luck. I don't think I can afford 200lbs of aragonite sand. So...I was wondering what other sand can I use? I saw this Premium Grade Natural Sand at my homedepot, can I use it?

Mine will be a FOWLR tank with at least 3 firefish goby in it. Would it be a problem with these sands?

Thanks alot!
GKW

acenia · 12-16-2005, 07:53 PM

What you need to find out is, is this a silicate sand... in a reef tank you need some aragonite sand wich is basicly very fine CC. Silicate sand will leak out all kinds of bad stuff in your water. How big of a tank are you setting up?

gkw · 12-16-2005, 08:28 PM

I am setting up a 125g tank. So, if the sand are not silica, then it's ok? I understand that aragonite sand also act as a buffer to keep the pH level around 8.3. Is it worth it? Are there any alternative to keep pH level constant in the tank?

Thanks!

acenia · 12-16-2005, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkw

Are there any alternative to keep pH level constant in the tank?

Yes there are, some people go bare bottom so they have to correct there PH another way. IMO if you want sand aragonite is the only way to go... maybe some one else with more experience can help out.

I only have a 20gal so i just bought aragonite sand didnt even look at other options but i can imagine for a 125gal your looking for options.

Rougie · 12-19-2005, 06:11 PM

Home depot also sells play sand and it is what I used for a 200 gallon. It is working out great!

gkw · 12-19-2005, 11:10 PM

Rougie, what brand was it? I see one that say "Premium Grade Play Sand" and one that say "Premium Grade Natual Sand."

How is your pH, do they stay constant? I was thinking maybe getting a 30 lbs bag of Caribsea with 100lbs of homedepot play sand. So, the Caribsea can help me keep the pH at ~8.3. Would it work?

Thanks!