Switching Sand in a FW to SW-Sand-3reef Forums

OGW · 07-25-2007, 09:00 AM

I used Pool Filter sand in my 29g FW tank...Can I use this when I do the switch over or should I change to one of the many popular brands of LS?
Also if I can use this sand, other than moving it aside to place the LR on the very bottom, is there anything else you would reccomend? Should I add more sand?
I know I'll be getting some seed LS for it from the LFS if that helps any.
Here is a pic of the tank with the Sand in it:

glampka · 07-25-2007, 09:13 AM

Many pool fitler sands are high in silicates which you don't want in your tank. Spend the few bucks & get sand from lfs. A sand bed of 3-4" is best.

nemo79 · 07-25-2007, 09:26 AM

I would not reuse the sand. You want aragonite sand for your substrate. If you ever used copper based meds, or tap water your current sand will just leach that into your new set up. I used my tufa rock when I changed over but I also new that I never medicated my tank with copper and none of my fish ever had problems.

APC · 07-25-2007, 09:27 AM

I would use live sand for this...and just a small amount...less then an inch on the bottom. Unless you want to do a Deep Sand Bed type system, then you need 5-6" of sand.

MDeth · 07-25-2007, 09:44 AM

Argonite is not important or necessary unless you have a DSB.
I wouldn't run a DSB

APC · 07-25-2007, 11:19 AM

Agreed...I would also suggest avoiding a DSB

OGW · 07-25-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glampka

Many pool fitler sands are high in silicates..

Thanks Glampka, Your right on...this was 20-30 SILICA sand.
The others reccomend no DSB...Help me understand why if you would please.
Is it because of the size of the tank?

nemo79 · 07-25-2007, 05:53 PM

Can't help on the DSB because I don't run one and the thought of my tank having 5-6" of sand bothers me. But I can recommend a good skimmer, get the aqua c remora, it is plug and play, no fiddling with bubbles and such and the company is amazing to deal with. Your Canadian Aquarium Supply Specialists!! has great prices and Dan is a great help. To be honest people say this skimmer is pricey but it was $20 more than the coralife...$20 I'm glad I forked out.

Md_reefer · 07-26-2007, 09:22 AM

Dont bother using the FW sand get your self some good crushed coral or something.