"Live sand" in FW tanks. - Page 2 - Aquarium Advice

kimo · 08-07-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazeyreef

no, its not (as far as I know). Live sand is called "live" because of the living (SW) bacteria and organisms in the sand that are beneficial to the (SW) aquarium, if it was put in a FW they would all simply die and it would become regular sand basically.

You can use "live sand" in a freshwater aquarium but it has to be
LIVE SAND from a FRESHWATER pond or lake. The organisms are completely different from the ones found in SW. Also the introduction of fw parasites and snails can be a problem if not QT'ed first.
I've done it before using sand (top 3 - 4") from the bottom of Lake Champlain (NY/VT) together with native plants that were already planted in it. Expect a die-off just like SW counterparts. I would say there was about a 70% survival rate for everything after the first 6 months of recovery. An experiment that turned out better than expected.

pirateshake · 08-08-2008, 05:02 AM

I use black sand but you can use any type thought i wouldnt use the saltwater sand just so something dosnt go wrong. As for the pleco i would be a little worried if he stired up the sand enough and your filter picked up to much you might be buying a new impeller. Or just keep a few on hand for when it happens. That would be my only concern.

**Fishyfanatic** · 08-08-2008, 07:34 AM

If a heavier sand is used (like pfs) you don't have to worry about it getting kicked up into the impellar. Stick to heavier sands, it is easier to maintain.

JesseL · 08-08-2008, 07:58 AM

what would the live sand do in brackish water?

CaptainAhab · 08-08-2008, 11:37 AM

Just use regular sand. The term 'live sand' means the bacteria have decided to setup home there. Once you get the normal sand in there the bacteria will colonize on it and BOOM......live sand!

DannWunderlich · 08-08-2008, 12:29 PM

ok to set the the story straight - i never said anything about live sand - it was from an old thread

i jsut want sand

i will be using PFS (pool Filter SAND)

should i put a sponge over the filter to keep sand out when i am starting the tank up, likw whne everyting is really cloudy

08-08-2008, 05:02 AM	#12
pirateshake Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: california Posts: 36	I use black sand but you can use any type thought i wouldnt use the saltwater sand just so something dosnt go wrong. As for the pleco i would be a little worried if he stired up the sand enough and your filter picked up to much you might be buying a new impeller. Or just keep a few on hand for when it happens. That would be my only concern. __________________ 29gallon-2goldfish 1 false Siamese algae eater 4 corycats, and 4 snails 29gal pics 55 Gallon pics

08-08-2008, 07:34 AM	#13
Fishyfanatic Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 10,303 Images: 15	If a heavier sand is used (like pfs) you don't have to worry about it getting kicked up into the impellar. Stick to heavier sands, it is easier to maintain. __________________ Vote for Aquarium Advice 10 Gallon Lake Malawi Cichlid Fry 29 Gallon Community 55 Gallon Community 55 Gallon Lake Malawi Cichlid Fry 150 Gallon Lake Malawi Cichlid

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08-08-2008, 07:58 AM	#14
JesseL Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Broadway North Carolina USA Posts: 38	what would the live sand do in brackish water?

08-08-2008, 11:37 AM	#15
CaptainAhab Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern NJ/Philadelphia Posts: 482	Just use regular sand. The term 'live sand' means the bacteria have decided to setup home there. Once you get the normal sand in there the bacteria will colonize on it and BOOM......live sand!

08-08-2008, 12:29 PM	#16
DannWunderlich Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 31	ok to set the the story straight - i never said anything about live sand - it was from an old thread i jsut want sand i will be using PFS (pool Filter SAND) should i put a sponge over the filter to keep sand out when i am starting the tank up, likw whne everyting is really cloudy