Quartz sand???

[hoopsdaddy]

So get the carib Sea from DF&S also known as oolitic sand. Should I get a bag of flordia crushed coral also? What mix should I get?

[RyanG]

No CC what depth are you planning on running. If DSB you want the oolitic if an inch or less any aragonite will do.

[hoopsdaddy]

2-3" is what I would like to have.

oolitic sand is argonite sand on their site. Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...21&pcatid=7321
or
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...22&pcatid=7322

[RyanG]

For that depth that is the size you want. Oolitic refers to the very very fine sand that the Aragamax is, aragonite refers to the chemical composition.

That florida crushed coral will just cause you nitrate problems.

[Rcpilot]

Either use only 1" of sand, or take the plunge and get a TRUE DSB of AT LEAST 4". 6" would be better.

3" is just a nitrate trap. Doesn't do any good for the aesthetics of the tank and doesn't do any good for nitrate reduction either. 1" of sand looks as good as 3", but it won't cause nitrates. 3" just provides a place for detritus to build up and become a "sink" for nitrates. But it's not deep enough to provide the oxygen depleted environment required for the production of anaerobic bacteria. Those are the ones that will eat the nitrates and break them down into harmless nitrogen gas that bubbles out at the surface.

Do 1" or do 6". Not 3"

Crushed coral is a HUGE NO-NO. Don't buy it.

You don't need 160lbs of live sand. You need 159.5 lbs of dry sand and less than a pound of live sand from any stable tank you may have. It will all turn into live sand eventually. The bacteria in your live sand will grow and spread out to live in all the dry sand. Then you got 160lbs of live sand. Purchasing 160lbs of live sand is a TREMENDOUS waste of cash that could be spent on your lights or skimmer.

You want the finest grain size you can get. The specs on the sand are printed on Foster Smith. You want the tiny grain sizes. 1--2mm max.

I'd get the stuff you linked to earlier.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&pcatid=732 1

This is larger grain size, but still VERY GOOD stuff. It's cheaper than Foster Smith. Check shipping.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/239681/product.web

30lbs for $21 + shipping
http://www.fish.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=710024

[sicklids]

i started out with "play sand" and i had a major diatom problem! and i didnt even have enough to cover the bottom of the tank in there. i changed it out and now the tank is fine!

[hoopsdaddy]

Went with the Aragamax oolitic sand from Dr.F&S. You were right about the cheap shipping.
Thanks a ton for all the help on this one. Will keep you updated on this build.

[Bifferwine]

I agree with everything RC said regarding the depth of sand.

Play sand and other silica-based substrates tend to lead to diatom problems.

Also, check your local Craig's List and local reef club for people breaking down their tanks. A lot of times, you are doing someone a favor by taking all their old sand off their hands. Even if they do want some money for it, it'll be a fraction of buying new sand, and you get the benefit of getting sand from an established tank with microcritters in it.

[hoopsdaddy]

I ordered 150#'s Argomax that was suggested by others in this thread. Well the 2Drs were as good as everyone said. I ordered late monday night and it got here this morning. 150#'s shipped in 3 days for $12.80. This cost me less than half what my lfs could sell it to me for. Thanks to all for the help and ideas on depth of sand bed!!! You guys(and gals) rock.

[Bifferwine]

I also order my salt from the 2 Docs. They have the same flat shipping rate as they do for sand, and it definitely pays off for a tank my size, since I have to by salt in bulk, by the pallet.