Marco Rocks coarse sand review

Discussion in 'Sand' started by OPForest, Jun 4, 2014.

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  1. OPForest

    OPForest Fire Worm

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    Ive decided to do some reviews on things which i couldn't find much information while I was doing my research.

    http://www.marcorocks.com/products/...g-included-all-sand-ships-usps-priority-mail/

    29.99 per 40 lbs shipping included.

    Even though there wasn't a ton of info about the coarse sand offered by Marco Rocks the priced made me decide to take a chance. I've seen mixed reviews and it seems that people either don't have any issues or they have all kinds of problems. So far, my experience has been very positive. I initially ordered just 40 lbs of the fine sand but changed my mind about it after reading some peoples thoughts online. I was afraid that my powerheads would blow it all over the tank and make a sand storm. Because of this, 3 days after I placed my order and just before it shipped, I emailed Marco and asked to change my order from the fine to the coarse. I also mentioned that I would like to order another 40 lbs. Marco replied within 6 hours, changed my order and shipped both boxes before I even paid for the second box.

    So, skip forward just 3 days. This was sitting at my front door when I woke up. Waiting on the second box but I assume it will be just like the first.

    [​IMG]

    The bottom was broken open but the bag inside was intact.

    [​IMG]

    As you can see, 42 lbs with the box and bag.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Nice light tan color, not yellow like the picture on the web site.

    [​IMG]

    Un-rinsed:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Rinsed

    [​IMG]

    Like people have said, It is a mix of really fine sugar sand with some larger stuff mixed in. Once its in the tank ill update this post.
     
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  3. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    I appreciate the review forest as I'm in the beginning stages of looking for live sand.
     
  4. OPForest

    OPForest Fire Worm

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    Be aware that this is dry sand not live.
     
  5. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    excellent! thanks for sharing. I think you will like the coarse much better. IME, the sugar sized sand seems to be more prone to cyano as well.
     
  6. OPForest

    OPForest Fire Worm

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    Second box came today. Not much to report. Was exactly the same as the first.
     
  7. Zgetman

    Zgetman Ritteri Anemone

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    I bought the coarse sand from marcorocks. I have not had any problems with it. I have had out breaks of cyano but I am not blaming the rocks. After reading about Cyano, it is everywhere and can get in a system from any addition even adding fish or CuC.
     
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  9. OPForest

    OPForest Fire Worm

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    I just realized that I did not update this like I promised.

    This sand is DIRTY. I probably rinsed the sand for 3 hours. at first it was almost like soap to rinse. It was sudsy and made a lot of film and bubbles. It did finally clear up but I was never able to get it to be completely clear in the rinse buckets. I ended up adding it to the tank and it has settled out and looks good. We will see what happens when i get a goby and pistol shrimp in there stirring it up. Sorry the pics aren't the best. Took them quick before going to work.

    IMG_20140731_141758.jpg IMG_20140731_141747.jpg IMG_20140731_141806.jpg
     
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  10. helwidcha

    helwidcha Flamingo Tongue

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    I bought 80 lbs of sugar fine from them when I started a year ago..i had a rubermaid tote and a filter and rinsed it for hours. When I added it to my tank it was clear within 24 hours...I love the way it looks ..and does not blow around the tank because it packs tight unless you aim a power head at it. but on that note I have had cyano on the unlit parts of the tank forever and a day.
     
  11. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Nice review, OP.

    IMOPE, rinsing calcareous sand is a bit of a catch-22; the more you try to clean it, the more dust you create. :oops::(
     
  12. OPForest

    OPForest Fire Worm

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    I agree with that, also i ended up losing some of the sugar-fine sand because I became impatient. It looks good though so for the price i cant complain.
     
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