ok substrate test inprogress.

[powerreef]

Its always good to have a test subject. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
I remember using dolomite back in the early days, but the most we had for corals then was some mushrooms and polups. Something you might want to do if you decide to keep it is to run a good magnet through it, at least that way you could get any stray metals that may be in it.

good luck steve I hope it works out.

[StirCrazy]

Colour, Cost and... thats probably it. well if you look at the perfect composition for a dsb by Dr Ron the dolomite is probably a little better as it has more fine stuff in it (according to his chart even sugar sand is overall to coarse) but that is just one brand of dolomite I don't know the sizes or compositions of other brands.

for me thought.. it is cost and colour.

Steve

[BCReefer]

Other than cost what other advantages are there using Dolmite vs. arg. sand?

[StirCrazy]

well it has been over 2 weeks now and the samples have both cleared up (even after me stiring them up once and a while to try get more of a change) and they are as follows.

Sugar sand is 7.8PH GH is still 180ppm
KH is still 100ppm

dolomite is 8.2PH GH is still 120ppm
KH is still 100ppm

so sence at least the 9th there has been no change in the desolved amount of matter. one thig is this test the PH levels are more accurate as I bought a PH pen ($200.00 later
[img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img] ) anyways I am going to leave this to everyones opinion, and when I set up the tank I will be a ongoing substrate test on a larger scale.

Steve

[canadawest]

Well I've had my 10 gal refugium filled with 4" of dolomite for 2 weeks now, and no detrimental effects on my tank thus far. I also put about 5lbs of it on top of my aragonite in my main tank, and again, no worries. (Took about 5 hours to settle with the powerheads off and skimmer on)

I personally think the stuff is excellent and for only $3!!