What sand for remote DSB

Bartman · #1 03-05-2006, 01:42 AM

Howdy,

I'm thinking of putting a remote DSB on my new 75G. I've read that you can use regular silica play sand without silica, or other, issues. Has anyone used this? Any comments or experience?

mark · #2 03-05-2006, 02:06 AM

might want to take at here http://www.marinedepot.com/FORUMS/Topic20039-13-1.aspx (was posted before) and link within

TheReefGeek · #3 03-05-2006, 07:16 AM

Silica sand will work, but not as well as aragonite because of the angular, not round shape.

Might want to get a silica test kit to monitor the tank, although I have read that silica leeching is overstated and not really a problem.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #4 03-05-2006, 08:01 AM

I was under the impression that silicates contribute to diatom blooms? Did I hear/read wrong about this? Isn't the aragonite used to also increase calcium in the water for the corals?

TheReefGeek · #5 03-05-2006, 04:20 PM

Yes, aragonite is a better choice, but more expensive. For a Remote DSB, many people already have an aragonite sand bed in their display tank. Silicate leeching is what may cause diatom and other algae blooms, but this is apparantly somewhat of a myth according to a large thread on RC. I would still monitor using a silicate test kit to be sure.

mark · #6 03-05-2006, 04:47 PM

Ar least aragonite as is dissolves will add calcium to tank