What type of sand?

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by Stevet86, Jan 15, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Stevet86

    Stevet86 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2008
    Messages:
    94
    Location:
    Eastern PA
    I am looking to start up a refugium in the near future. My question is what should I do with the sand bed. Do I buy a couple bags of live sand and put it in there? Or buy some bleached play sand, rinse it well and put it in the refugium with a few scoops of the live sand from the display tank.

    Thanks for the help!
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. 10acrewoods

    10acrewoods Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2008
    Messages:
    1,337
    Location:
    Carbondale Il
    I just used live sand in mine
     
  4. Stevet86

    Stevet86 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2008
    Messages:
    94
    Location:
    Eastern PA
    The concern I forgot to mention is if I use the new live sand, will the tank cycle again. I've had the tank set up for a good while now.
     
  5. 10acrewoods

    10acrewoods Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2008
    Messages:
    1,337
    Location:
    Carbondale Il
    how big is DT and how much sand are you planing to use in fuge
     
  6. bc219

    bc219 Millepora

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2008
    Messages:
    937
    Location:
    Mishawaka, IN
    Play sand works fine, argonite is recommended but it doesn't have to be. Silica is fine, and no it won't leach silicates into the water. It's way cheaper than buying live sand, won't cause a cycle and it will make itself live. Just make sure to rinse it very good before you use it (to get rid of the powdery stuff).
     
  7. Stevet86

    Stevet86 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2008
    Messages:
    94
    Location:
    Eastern PA
    Its a 90 gallon display and about two to three inches of sand in the fuge.

     
  8. Click Here!

  9. 10acrewoods

    10acrewoods Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2008
    Messages:
    1,337
    Location:
    Carbondale Il
    I added my live sand and used a small bag and had no ill affects. This was after tank was going for 2 months.