Okay...

I'm trying to plan out what I need and how much it will be before I start my SW tank so I won't be suprised... The "live sand" that lfs in my area sell is at least $20 and I have a 55G tank... could be pricey... Do I have to buy that or can I buy sand from say Lowes or Home Depot that is a fine grit and will it still get populated by the bacteria and such?? Also, would said sand be harmful to sand sifting critters??
Any help would be mucho mucho apreciated

Agronite sand is what it typically used in reefs if you don't go with the live stuff. But the more bacteria you start with the faster you can add fish. You could start with just sand and base rock with one piece of live but it could take a very long time before you can add fish.

Sorry, I would like the sand to end up live, but I was just wondering if I could use the type of sand that lowes or home depot sells like pool filter sand or some such... I just want to make sure that the sand will be able to be populated and the sand sifters I put in wont be harmed by it.. or do I have to buy the sand the lfs sells?...

Hmmm a salty will have to answer that. I know agronite sand is 1/2 the price if live sand at my lfs and it will end up as live sand.

ok thx fern

pool filter sand will do .

Awesome, do you know if it will still get populated and sand sifters will be ok with it? thx much dragon

Definately. Sand sifters will be fine

Great thanks man! you are awesome :D

I just used several bags of white sand, and one bag of live.

Is pool filter sand inert? If so, I'd keep an eye on the pH. The main reason aragonite is used when live sand isn't is to help buffer the water. Can't wait to see pics!

lizardking wrote:

I just used several bags of white sand, and one bag of live.

White sand from where? Do you mean like play sand? I would really like to use live sand, but it is very expensive in my area. But I found a guy who has sw supplies in my area used and has sand, so I may go that route ^^

I have pool filter sand from a local pool store in my fish only tank($9). My ph stays around 8.2-8.4, but I have 90.lbs on live rock. Here's a pic of my sand, I let the green algea cover the surface. I added fish after 1 week(4 damsels). Sorry about my Vlamingi tang stealing the photo, he just too bold.

hehe dont worry about it he's a beautiful fish! thanks, for the advice on sand! I was worried for a while I was going to have to throw away huge amounts of moolah for something cheap!

I wouldn't get a mandarin with pool filter sand though. OR any other kind of sand sifters.

Ok, ty for the advice.. My wife actually wants to go to the beach soon, so would it work if I maybe scoop some sand in buckets? I figure, since people get livestock out of the ocean, why not sand? :D

I wouldn't. Nothing but trash wash up on land.

hmm... well that sucks... i would like to do a reef setup after I get my feet wet with my reef safe fish... I guess I will have to go with live sand from the lfs :(

The sand in my frag and reef tanks were bought from someone that was breaking down their tank. It's cheaper and well established.

Ok cool, thats a good idea, I hope someone in my area will be brreaking down their tank soon :D

I have a 92 gallon bowfront corner and I used about 20lbs of live rock and argonite sand and 1 bag of live sand and my tank cycled very well. I had fish in there and levels perfect after about a week and a half.

niceeee

Nice good luck!!

I set up my 29 gallon tank in October. I used 40 lbs of aragonite and about 15 lbs of live rock to start. I had my first little ocellaris in about two weeks. The live rock created my cycle. I have since added more live rock up to about 30-35 lbs and still want more LOL.

Nice...