[powerreef]

hey boys are we having fun yet. Here is a couple of more tid bits for the debat.
This is an article from The Conscientious Reef Aquarist, it dealt with a number of sand bed issues but here is the one that dealt with types of substraigts

"Dolomites

(CaMg(CO3)2 are the least soluble source; they barely fizz when cold hydrochloric acid is test-dripped on them. Dolomite, as the poorest buffer, should only be selected for sparsely populated systems, and only for cost considerations. There has been speculation that it is possibly contaminated with toxic metals (Dewey 1984).

Calcites

(CaCO3, e.g. limestones, marbles are almost pure calcium carbonate; they are more soluble that the various sources/types of dolomites with their regular calcium and magnesium structure, but less soluble than...

Calcite with magnesium impurities.

Coral sand, crushed oyster and coral rock. These are the most suitable media and buffers.

Size (2-5mm), shape (spherical), grading (all the same), and circulation (2+ gsfm, the more the merrier) have been gone over under properties"


Hers another article from Aquarium Frontiers it talks about the needs for sand beds and types and also had this paragraph in it.

"One of the last but most overlooked advantages of a substrate is the ability for calcium and carbonate ions to be naturally released into the water by its dissolution. This natural process helps maintain high calcium and alkalinity levels, while reducing nitrates, phosphates, and iodates. Do not use Dolomite or Gypsum as they contain excess levels of magnesium and sulfate respectively. Dolomite may be used to help maintain magnesium levels in conjunction with a calcium reactor. Only use small amounts in conjunction with aragonite and closely monitor magnesium levels."


anyway thiers 2 more and I'm to tired to get more. you know this stuff is just gym chalk right