Substrate Questions

[TheIrishJedi]

I am starting up a 10g FOWLR. My first SW tank.

I want to use a fine sand, but am not sure whether it will be more of a pain than it is worth.

I am thinking about going with Ocean Direct Carribean Live Sand. Specifically the 20lbs of Fine Oolite.

Is 20lbs enough for a 10g or too much?
What critters do I need to keep the sand stirred?
What is Oolite?

Or would you recommend going with Ocean Directs original grade (whatever that is) or another substrate brand altogether. I am hoping no to spend more than $19-$26.

 

[roka64]

I would go with dry aragonite sand. Live sand is an extra cost for something you can do yourself. I like nassarius snails to stir my sand.

 

[blasterx]

I would do what roka said, just go with dry sand. It's cheaper and the sand will become 'live' on it's own.

 

[Innovator]

Unless you want a specific sand composition, which may only be available in "Alive", I too would just purchase dry aragonite.

 

[TheIrishJedi]

Any particular brand that you fellows recommend?

 

[Innovator]

I prefer Caribsea and wouldn't go any larger than "Super Reef." CaribSea Dry Aragonite | Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand | Aragamax Select | Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand | Fiji Pink Reef Sand | Flamingo Reef Sand | Bermuda Pink | Grand Bahamas Biome | Super Reef A mix of Bimini Pink (only available in "Alive") and Fiji Pink would be a nice combination.