Deep sand beds

Jack · #1 02-09-2002, 04:58 AM

How much the average/minimum depths needed to achieve a DSB with proper de-nitrification? With the following substrates?:

1)normal aragonite
2)sugar sand

Which is better to have? Which looks better in the tank? Etc, etc.

ldzielak · #2 02-09-2002, 01:54 PM

Anyone know any reason why we could not go down to the local beach and use some real sand. Maybe boil it to kill off any cold water bacteria. But this should make for nice sand right?

StirCrazy · #3 02-09-2002, 02:08 PM

hey Lee, if you can find "Sand" and not Gravel like we have down here you would be ok.. the other thing is our sand is mostly silica based (not a problem in its self but it will be sharp)
also the risk of contaminents in the sand was to great for my liking, especialy with all the pulp mills and such that used to be all over, not to mention oil from boats and such.

Steve

ldzielak · #4 02-09-2002, 02:15 PM

I think my next tank I will try this. Up north it is not too hard to find a nice clean beach. I will do a good wash and boil, don't need red tide in my tank [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

terryp01 · #5 02-09-2002, 03:54 PM

There is a calculator at www.purearagonite.com which will calculate the number of pounds needed for your tank when you get this figured out.

I run about a 3.5 to 4 inch on mine. Most of them are powder beds but I have some that have crushed coral under the sand.

Most of it is personal preference on the look that you like.

Hope this helps.

Jack · #6 02-09-2002, 06:05 PM

Yeah, me and Lee were talking about the use of normal sand. I don't see why not if it was used in a sump. Cause just a DSB in your sump is expensive, let alone for your main tank. But I have to go clean out my tank now... Starting fresh with 50lbs of Figi LR [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Thanks Lee for bringing it over for me, I will call you later tonight. Also, thanks guys for the replys

reefburnaby · #7 02-09-2002, 09:06 PM

Hi,

Sand should be fine as long as it is silicate sand. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell if you have silicate sand if you are at a beach. The risk is that you'll have some sand that will leach heavy metals or other minerals back in to the water. Sand blasting sand is a bit different since it is , more or less, very pure silicate sand. Grain size should be okay...just compare it to domolite lime. If the grain size is about the same...then it should be fine.

- Victor.