teddybear22482

Are there any other sand types that can be used instead of live sand I was thinking about pool filter sand mixed with crushed coral. Would this be OK?

Mike

I think pool filter sand would be ok to use with the crushed coral.

teddybear22482

I actually have been reading alot and I think Im going to go with 100 lbs SouthDown Play sand mixed with 40 lbs of live sand to seed it with.

Mike

Cool - I've read about the SouthDown Play Sand being ok to use as well. It's supposed to be all natural from the caribbean and it's definitely much cheaper.

Miss Mouse

Hey guys, I've just read this about Southdown sand from http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-04/totm/index.php
"Initially, I included a 2" to 3" deep sandbed consisting entirely of Southdown play sand. What a mistake that was! I have been trying to get rid of all that sand for quite some time now. While it may have served a purpose for the first year or so, all it has done lately is cause lots of headaches. I've found that the Southdown sand kills the edges on many of my Echinophyllia and significantly retards their growth. The next tank will have a bare bottom with a faux sandbed (using Starboard on the bottom). Until then I'll continue to try to remove the Southdown and replace it with a thin layer of crushed coral. I dont know if thats any help or affects you at all?

Mike

Good link - nice to get that info on this sand.