Can I use live sand/dead for a fresh water setup

[INNEED]

I need a lil more info on how to start a fresh water setup... I've done it in the past but always use to rush into things. Bow I wanna do it right...Ooo n also my number 1 question can use live Sand/dead for a fresh water set up reason I ask is b.c I have alot left over...

 

[dj ze]

yes you can use the dead live sand just wash it really good depending on the fresh water set up your going with if it's cichlids u can use dry coral skeletons to.also buy bio-spira to cycle out the tank it works great in 3 days your tank will be ready to go

 

[INNEED]

Wow only 3 days hahaha my lil sis is gonna be super happy I told her she had to wait about a month hahah...

 

[dj ze]

even without the bacteria naturally would only take about 2 weeks

 

[INNEED]

Thanx dj ze for the info

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

If u r doing cichlids, no problem. Crushed coral is better because big cichlids dig the dirt once a while and may make a cloudy scene with fine sand

 

[INNEED]

Don't know what am doing yet well it's my lil sisters tank it's a 55 gal so she's gonna do the fish picking and am gonna do the buying lol..

 

[KathyC]

As in reefing, and maybe even a little more importantly it's best to know what type of fish you are putting in the tank before you 'design' the tank.

Cichilds & plants don't don't mix due to the high pH & water chemistry required for the fish

So if her heart is set on a planted tank, you'll need a different type of fish.

Also - keep in mind that any phosphates left in old sand (which I would never use in a FW tank) will impact the FW tank the same way as a SW tank --> algae issues. I'd pitch the sand.

 

[INNEED]

Ahhhh thought i be saveing a few buck so I guess ill take her to see the fishes on sat and see what she is mostly into....keep in mind she is only 4 years old but very smart....

 

[dj ze]

i already know what she's gonna pick show her the ranchu coldfish

 

[INNEED]

R those the ones with the fat belly and wierd tail ????

 

[skene]

If you want a nice sand to use... get some pool filter sand. Although it may not be as white, it's very neutral and will not be a problem with any fish that you keep.
I've used it with my discus and aro and easy to siphon out the detritus.
If you use other substrate, it will sink down into the bottom and you will find yourself more often trying to siphon that through the cracks.

But if you do want some gravel... I've got some black gravel that I have available from one of my previous set ups.

 

[dj ze]

the ranchu's have a huge head they go for around 50 to $60