What sand for remote DSB

[mark]

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

[TheReefGeek]

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]

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]

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]

Ar least aragonite as is dissolves will add calcium to tank

[TheReefGeek]

Very slowly, yes. But you still should suppliment properly (buffers, calc reactor, kalk reactor).

The point of an RDSB is to be a cheap way to hopefully decrease nitrates, but if you can afford aragonite, go for it, it is a better choice for sure.

[Bartman]

Has anyone here actually done this (RDSB) yet? Just wondering what results, pitfalls, experience you might be able to share.