aragonite Coral Sand

[puffer]

I have just purchased Coral Sand(not live) for my new 62gal setup, what is the best way to prepare it before adding it to my tank, If possible can some one explain DSB to me.

[Anemoneman]

Depends. If your tank doesn't have any water in it yet then pour the sand directly from the bag ontot he bottom and smooth it out with your hand.
If yout tank already has water in it, use a large cup or container to lower the sand to the bottom and slowly pour it in. Get ready for a sand storm that won't clear until your tank has nearly cycled. The sand needs the bacteria to help it settle so a cloudy tank for a week or two is normal.

A DSB is a bed of sand 4-6" deep that is populated by worms and critter that eat detritus and left over food.
Some helpful and informative articles by Dr. Ron.
http://www.rshimek.com/reef/sediment.htm
http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog...ek_090698.html
http://www.dtplankton.com/food_production_by_design.htm
http://www.aquarium.net/1196/1196_4.shtml

[puffer]

Anemoneman......... thanks for the info

[aimeovaldi]

If you can get some live sand to add to the mix it would be helpful. If another reefer is near or a LFS that carries live sand this would be a great addition to the aragonite. Anemoneman, you cover it all so well...great links.

[firemouth4416]

Great collection of links from aimeovaldi Why is it that local fish shops cant keep up with this info There seems to be a steep learning curve for somthing that in the end makes keeping fish so much easier.
I have yet to find a simple how to book that has a state of the art how to approach. Most of the people out there seem bent on convinceing others they are right that they spend little time on the hands on fishkeeping.
A great example of a new book with ancient technology is "An idiots guide to salwater aguariums". Finally a book in the series that deserves the title.