Live Sand?

[Miklos]

Well as the topic implies I have a question about Live sand.I want to purchase some for a tank in the future and have heard several books and articles states try to keep the sand bed as diverse as possible with life.I went to three different websites selling live sand and stating the critters they have in the sand.All the critters are the same and the live sand is of the same material.So should I buy my live sand from one reliable source or from all three places?I really don't see why it would be necessary to purchase from all three places because the live sand would probaly be the same from all three places;plus shipping would be very expensive to buy from all three places.
Nick

 

[imow]

You are correct in that all the sand MAY be from the same supplier. I would set your tank up from one place, then get to know some other reefers, and trade sand as you go. This is the best way for boidiversity.

 

[JT]

Actually, it is not safe to assume that everyone gets sand from the same source. In the Florida Keys, where most live sand comes from, and the Carribean, there are at least 10 collectors of live sand. In Fiji, there are at least 3 collectors exporting live sand.

Not all live sand is created equal. Some live sand is collected in deep water, detritus free, areas so there will be an absence of the big bugs but still have a good microscopic bacteria rate. Then there are collectors who don't go very far off-shore who collect sand in high sediment areas. And then everything in between.

It is still your best bet to get small amounts from a variety of sources.

- JT

 

[Anonymous]

Of course there are numerous ways you can go about this. Both suggestions are great.

I set mine up and let the live rock seed my sand. Then when I place orders with different companies I add a pound or two of live sand to the order. I liked the rock pool sludge from Premium Aquatics. It's not pretty, but it is full of all kinds of stuff. I put some in my sump and spread the rest around the tank. The ugly stuff has been moved around over time so it's not noticeable anymore. Plus it's only something like a buck a pound. Can't beat that price.

 

[fishfarmer]

I would go with several sources just for biodiversity. Since it sounds like you are planning a sandbed for a future tank will it be a deep sand bed? If so, you have probably read that grain size is very important. I have yet to see any live sand sold today that is of the required grain size. Most of it is too coarse. I've bought samples of live sand on four occasions, most were coarse to very coarse "sand". I wouldn't use more than 10% of coarse live sand for the top of your bed. I did see one retailer selling small amounts of aquacultured sand of the proper grain size and in small amounts. Here is a link to one local source www.reeflink.com/billsreef/. I haven't order from here yet so I can't comment on quality.

[ March 18, 2002: Message edited by: fishfarmer ]</p>