sand question

[godzilla]

I searched, but didnt find this.

I cant find aragonite sand here for under 20 bucks a bag. Would it provide the same buffering if I added CC to my sump and used silica based sand in the tank?

I have 75LBS of CC in my freshwater tank that I plan to break down this weekend.

[cmor1701d]

Regualr play box sand from Home Depot or Loews would be fine. I don't think CC buffers all that much at normal marine aquarilum pH levels.

Someone else more knowledgeable on the buffering of CC may chime in.

[Lance M.]

You want an aragonite based sand, NOT a silica based sand. If you go with the silica you will have tons of problems with algae and no buffering capacity like you would get from the aragonite.

CC is a good buffer IMO and IME, but you don't want to use it as a substrate as it traps waste and cause a rise in NO3 overtime and it will look nasty. You would have to vaccum the cc at least once a week.

[melosu58]

Originally Posted by Lance M.

CC is a good buffer IMO and IME, but you don't want to use it as a substrate as it traps waste and cause a rise in NO3 overtime and it will look nasty.

This is true. Great buffer but bad collector of waste and nitrates.

[lando]

Agreed...make sure the sand is NOT silicate based. I would shell out the bucks for the sand you know will work now. It will save you time, money and trouble in the future. CC works fine but, as mentioned, can trap detritus and cause NO3 issues over time. LS is superior IMHO.

[cmor1701d]

Silica based sand is fine to use. The glass of your aquarium is silica based. It is basically inert. It does not buffer the water, but IMO the buffering of arogonite is overstated. I have not seen any real research that it helps in a properly maintained tank.

[itafx]

So I guess there is not consensus on whether silica-based sand is ok or not for SW tanks. I'm using it so far, but was concerned when I saw recommendations against it. Generally, sand by nature is silica based. And it is inert as cmor1701d says. What would be the rationale for not using it? I did not see any given. I know my sand bugs and sand crabs love it. It's their normal habitat.

[MACATUA]

The silica based sand has a sharper grain, so some more delicate inverts and/or fish may not appreciate the extra rub. Over time there could be algae issues I suppose, but if you keep all other parameters where they should be, this should not be a problem. I have used a silica based sand for 3 years in my tank with no algae problems, and am using it in my new tank. May not be the best, but it is CHEAP!

[itafx]

Yeah. Cost can really eat you alive if you're not careful.

[NoSvOrAx]

I wouldn't use anything but aragonite just because of its buffering capabilities.

[roka64]

I agree, some folks do use the silicate based sand, but I think of that as little tiny glass shards that can cause problems for sand sifting or burrowing critters. Check out Aragamax Sand they don't charge extra for weight.

[cmor1701d]

From Dr. Ron Shimek's website

"The organisms do not care about the sediment mineral composition, only the particle sizes and shapes. Most aquarists use the commonly available aragonitic sands to "provide a calcium reservoir." Additionally their bright white color is often aesthetically pleasing. However, if the system's pH and calcium concentrations get low enough to dissolve significant amounts of the sediment there are some very severe problems and all the sand in the world won't help. Very successful tanks may be set up utilizing black lava sand, or fine siliceous sand, as long as the grains are of the appropriate size. There is some concern that siliceous sand will fuel diatom blooms, but such blooms may be controlled by the appropriate grazers."