Can I use any play sand or should it be sterilized play sand for the
DSB??
generally, you can use any playsand (silicone based, or caribbean). Most people swear against silicone based, and only preach that caribbean can be used. The only thing that really matters is the particle size. You want that sugar-sized (about .13 mm average) grain. The differences are: 1.) silicone based sands do not buffer pH or help with carbon 2.)silicone based will have a slightyly higher chance of algae bloom starting off, but it will get better
.
If it is dried out the bacterias and such would be dead correct??
correct
Most people try to find Southdown or Old Castle brands of playsand, because it is argonite based, but I use regular old $1.50/bag silicone based laced with about 30lbs of
LS (from a bag). It works, what else can I say? Also, so supplement your
DSB, might I recommend a little pod helper? What I did for both of my tanks, is when I bought
LR from the store, I scooped up about 5 lbs worth of the small (1"-2") rubble pieces and some of the mud in the bottom of the
LR tank. Next thing I know, I have
pods, bristleworms, and little shrimp going crazy. Oh, and I have so many little fan worms in my "pod pile" that some of the rocks look like little bails of hay. 8O
Good luck.
HTH. : 8)