New to sw, have a question about my sand..

[gottafindnemo]

[gottafindnemo]

Why do they call it live if its dry?

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by gottafindnemo

So then the sand i have is classed as dry sand?

Ocean Direct is live sand and does have moisture in it, at least it should or your bag got dried out.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Don't wash it. Dry sand needs lots of rinsing but live sand doesn't need any. The theory behind the live sand is that it is full of beneficial bacteria that will shorten your cycle time for a new tank.

or enough die off to build a bacteria population....of which i think neither is needed lol

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by gottafindnemo

Why do they call it live if its dry?

because its not dry its " moist " enough to keep the bacteria alive and produce organics that feul your cycle.

[gottafindnemo]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Ocean Direct is live sand and does have moisture in it, at least it should or your bag got dried out.

Oh man this is confuseing bahah im used to just buying silica sand, washing it well and puttin it in baha live. Dry. Wet. Blahblahblah is confuseing me baha

[gottafindnemo]

Originally Posted by reefwars

because its not dry its " moist " enough to keep the bacteria alive and produce organics that feul your cycle.

I get it sorta now.. Is thatbwhy theres a little packet of something in it? To keep it "moist"

[gregzz4]

Sea sand is probably a lot finer than anything you've encountered in your freshwater experiences ... so keep your powerheads off long enough for the sand to settle or you'll grind them to death with all the fine sediment floating around

'Live' sand has bacteria in it that some feel helps start or 'seed' a new tank
If you're going to use true, wet-in-the-bag 'Live' sand then DO NOT wash it
If you're able to mix up your new salt water outside the tank, add the sand first and then slowly add the water
If you need to mix the salt in the tank first then, as reefwars stated, add the sand after the salt is mixed

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by reefwars

or enough die off to build a bacteria population....of which i think neither is needed lol

I don't bother with it myself. Cheaper to buy dry and wait a bit.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by gottafindnemo

Oh man this is confuseing bahah im used to just buying silica sand, washing it well and puttin it in baha live. Dry. Wet. Blahblahblah is confuseing me baha

add salt water to tank , add sand to tank as is .........confusion over my friend lol