Hello ! Newbie here ! Newbie alert. ha ha

[AngelLeah1981]

I read this article and have a couple questions. I will also post the location just in case.
Silica Sand/Aragonite Mix in a Reef? - 10/10/06
Hey.
<<Hey>>
I wanted to get your opinion on using play box sand for a reef tank.
<<Is doable>>
I have done a lot of reading on this and have gotten contradicting opinions, as with many issues in this hobby.
<<Indeed>>
I found sand called Kolorscape which is distributed by Oldcastle (same company that once distributed the famous but impossible to find Southdown).
<<I've heard some about this sand before...supposedly aragonite based>>
This sand is supposedly mined in a different area and is not purely aragonite.
<<Easy enough to test>>
From my understanding the sand passes the "vinegar test" but not all of the sand dissolves meaning it's mixed with at least some silica type sand.
<<Hmm, maybe so...still...better than "all" silica. Not that using silica sand is necessarily bad, it just doesn't offer any buffer capacity/earth elements to the system>>
It also clearly states on the bag that it may contain silica.
<<Ah, I see...>>
Is this really that big of a deal?
<<Not in my opinion>>
I read that silica sand is inert and won't release anything into the water.
<<I don't think that is entirely true, but I think the concern for silica sand to foster huge diatom blooms or other maladies in our marine tanks is mostly overrated...and even less of an issue in the case of this "mixed" sand. I've used 100-percent silica sand in a couple marine systems over the years and can't attribute any deleterious effects to the use of the sand>>
The source stated that it's only a rumor that won't die.
<<As with so many of them>>
In your opinion/experience have you found this to be true?
<<As stated>>
Should I spend the big bucks for aquarium sand or take a chance and save a bundle?
<<Considering the Kolorscape does contain aragonite...I would use it>>
I have read forums where people stated that they used Kolorscape and loved it, but the opinion was based on only a few months of use. Any thoughts?
<<Perhaps you will let us know/write a piece on its performance>>
By the way, I already have aragonite that will be used for the deep sand bed in the refugium so buffering won't be an issue.
<<Likely wouldn't anyway...but very good>>
I want to use the Kolorscape as a 1/2 inch deep sand in the display
and am only concerned about the safety/silica issues.
MarSubstSel3

I1. s it better to have argonite sand?
2. How do you test to see if it's argonite?
3. Is it true - if you put vinegar in the sand and it bubbles it is safe to use in your aquarium and you don't have to worry about anything else. (from another forum)
4. Does it matter if the sand you use contains silica?
5. Are maladies diseases? Do you think you need to get argonite so you won't get this?

The only thing I know about sand is live, and not live and how to seed it. I'm pretty sure I either want white sand or Indo-Pacific Black (click on "arig-alive" to see the indo pacific black if you want) 6. I need advice and information about what to look out for when buying sand and if I choose to buy white sand what kinds are bad 7. or can I just buy any ol white sand and just seed it with my rock? Thanks.

[deaclauderdale]

Using "playsand" in a reef tank is a coast effective way to set up a system. However as with most things there are pros and cons. When I used play sand I did not read the label to check for silica and that's what I got. I had trouble with diatom blooms and a little hair algae, everything I experienced was manageable and added to my experience level. Seeing as I have a 100 gallon tank it was extremely cost effective at around $4 per 50lb bag. I will in the future only go with "livesand" or aragonite sand just to help avoid these issues. I've also purchased a few buckets of "dried livesand" from a friend of mine which was fairly cheap. I think he got from a tank cleaned and let it dry.

IMO go with live.

[lcstorc]

I would not waste the money on the "live" sand as there is very little "life" in it by the time it gets to you. It is up to you wether you want to use the play sand or the dry aragonite sand. The dry aragonite is a lot less than the "live" sand but more than the play sand. I once bought a bag of the play sand and did the vinegar test. It bubbled quite a bit but I could see the pieces of silica so I decided not to use it. I got the dry aragonite instead but that was just my choice. I probably would have been fine with the play sand. I just didn't want to take any chances.

[framerguy]

This is an interesting thread. I never considered using play sand. I just assumed it would be a no-no. Following along...

[AQTCJAK]

Welcome aboard - I have to agree/disagree with the live sand some of it on the market is as was stated pretty much worthless then there are others that have alot of live bacteria like Nature's Ocean - Live Sand which IMPO is the best there is Dead sand ie Play Sand or straight Aragonate have there issues as well 1. No bateria 2 you should rinse it very thoughly before putting it in your tank 3 you need to add live cultures to it to jump start it.

[boozeman]

aragonite really isnt that expensive, looks a lot nicer/brighter than regular play sand and because of the calcium content will aid in buffering.

[deaclauderdale]

Originally Posted by AQTCJAK

Welcome aboard - I have to agree/disagree with the live sand some of it on the market is as was stated pretty much worthless then there are others that have alot of live bacteria like Nature's Ocean - Live Sand which IMPO is the best there is Dead sand ie Play Sand or straight Aragonate have there issues as well 1. No bateria 2 you should rinse it very thoughly before putting it in your tank 3 you need to add live cultures to it to jump start it.

Jack couldn't she just seed it with a cup of livesand from another reefers tank or her LFS? or use liverock to do it? I know it's a little more time consuming, but still cost effective.

[althea2you]

i also read that when cycling your tank... to help add bacteria.. you could throw 1 or 2 raw shrimp in there let it deteriate and get the bacteria from that as it cycles. would this be a way to make dry sand live? or was this just another way to add some bacteria?

[lcstorc]

That is just a way to kick start the bacteria in the LR. Your sand will become live from the critters inside the rock. You can speed it up by getting some sand from fellow reefers tanks. Just a cup or two is enough. I have given it away frequently to people nearby who are just getting started.

[burning2nd]

i feel lucky... that 100lbs of sand is waiting... nice a dry.