I am starting another 55 gal. marine setup and last time the start up was alot looking for ways to trim some of the cost down
so I was wondering if anyone would have knowledge of layering sand with a layer of "live sand" on top?
2007-04-11 10:02:51 · 7 answers · asked by Adam T 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yes you can
I use about 3" of argonite sand and just SEED it with about 4 cups of Live sand, It will only take a couple of weeks for the whole thing to become LIVE.
2007-04-11 11:59:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Layering should work,and after a few months it should all be "live".I would think that the benefits of the live sand would be "diluted" in the proportion of live to "dry" sand. So don't count on as much bio-capability as you would get with all Live sand. Do you plan on adding live rock also? That might mitigate the sand short-fall. Try to keep the stocking levels low for the first couple of months,and pay close attention to aeration to encourage the bacterial growth. Good luck.----PeeTee
2007-04-11 10:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Live sand is not necessary and I've come to believe it's just a way for the stores to make money.
Live rock, however, is essential and the proper amount will make your sand substrate "live" within a month. The term live just means there are good bacteria living there and they will help greatly with filtration.
I personally prefer crushed coral as a substrate. It stays clean with the right cleaners in the tank (dwarf hermits, snails, starfish etc.)
You should have a great setup if you cycle properly and remember to add things slowly!
P.S. Stores that sell live sand mainly use bits and pieces of live rock that have broken off the live rock during shipping. Waste of money!
2007-04-11 17:52:56 · answer #3 · answered by Chris C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes...you can mix them. In my 29 gallon salt water tank i hav a bottom layer of normal sand and live sand on top And about 20 pounds of live rock. If not, ask the person @ your local pet store with salt water fish. I would recommend doing that...it saved my like 400$!!!! Hope that helps & good luck with your tank!
2007-04-11 10:13:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly what 007 said. You don't need a lot of live sand. Only a little will "convert" the regular sand to live. You can do the same with live and dead rock. Put in a lot of dead rock and just seed it with live rock.
2007-04-11 14:08:38 · answer #5 · answered by Brian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-21 21:33:09 · answer #6 · answered by ramayo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-04-11 11:17:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋