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Post by jess on Mar 18, 2013 8:50:58 GMT -5
Yes you would need new sand, what you have is to big, you want the fine grade, like sugar, you can use some of your stuff on top and be ok, I haven't bought sand in forever so not sure how much it would be but I would get enough to do at least a couple inches on bottom then you can do another inch or two of the heavier stuff you have in top of that. It doesn't have to be that live sand, it can be dry, probably cheaper to.
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Post by lindsey1984 on Mar 18, 2013 11:00:03 GMT -5
So I just talk to somebody from the pet store and they said they only have 2 bags of 20 lb live sand and he said it probably would barely layer the bottom. He said he's heard of people going to Home Depot in buying a bag of sand and then seeing it with some live sand... any ideas on that? is that okay?
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Post by jess on Mar 18, 2013 11:09:38 GMT -5
That should be fine as you will be using some of yours on top of it anyway. I've been told that your sand doesn't matter if live or not when your tank is already established/cycled. I've taken sand out of five gallon buckets that have been sitting since 2010 and just rinsed it well and threw it in my tank.
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Post by simplymaineseaglas on Mar 18, 2013 11:23:06 GMT -5
Reasons why not to use it IMO--
Play sand contains high traces of silicates and phosphates. Yes--algae blooms will happen in every tank at one point, but you would have a much higher risk of an algae bloom with play sand. Also--I believe the bags say right on them, do not use in Aquariums.. I would not risk it, you honestly get what you pay for. Anyone else agree/disagree?
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Post by Jordan Emery on Mar 18, 2013 11:30:18 GMT -5
Definately agree on "you get what you pay for". I have not skimped out on my tank yet and have had very few problems... just the high nitrates... but that is fixed now  I did a quick search on RC to see if anyone had tried it and one person posted they had a lot of problems with it.... If it was me, i would buy the actual real sand and skip the play sand... But that is just me...  Choices choices! |
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Post by jess on Mar 18, 2013 11:42:07 GMT -5
There's some aragonite on here for sale I'm going to check for her, hopefully it's finer and will do the job.
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Post by Jordan Emery on Mar 18, 2013 11:52:36 GMT -5
Yeah... I wish i would have known... i have a ton of it sitting up north in my parents basement in pails... it would have been perfect for her!  |
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Post by lindsey1984 on Mar 18, 2013 11:53:36 GMT -5
I keep reading about the play sand and I guess a lot of people use it but they rinse it out really well before putting it in their tank. I've also heard others saying pool filter sand is better than the play sand. I just want my nitrates to stop! That has been my only BIG issue in this tank and I'm getting frusterated with it! I'm just trying my best to keep the cost down due to the furlows at the shipyard...My hubby's check has basically been cut in half! I dont have a lot of money right now (and prob not till the furlows are done in Oct) so it would prob be a little while before I could fix the sand bed unless i try a different option. The sand from petco is 24.99 for a 20 lb bag and they said that will barley line the bottom of my tank |
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Post by Jordan Emery on Mar 18, 2013 11:58:26 GMT -5
It is your tank, if you feel comfortable going with the play sand, it is your decision! Nitrates are definately a PITA! Trust me, i know! |
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Post by lindsey1984 on Mar 18, 2013 15:17:13 GMT -5
So, the LTA has detatched his foot from the bottom of the tank, im just hoping he's planning on moving
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Choices choices! 