Dsb Info Needed

[Matthew5664]

I’m setting up a DSB and would like to get holed of some varying partial sized sand. On my journeys out and about I visit may cost line and have been collection sands from many shores. Does anyone know where I can get a rough analysis of my samples? Or if not where I could get some data on existing analysis of sand types of UK coasts??

Also does any know of a good guide to partial ratios in a DSB?

Also got some MUD from the IOW cost, My dads got some Lobster pots on the cost and when the tide goes out the muddy sea weed bank is reachable so I got myself some. I think it’s a mixture of the beach sand, clay, dead sea weed and general crap from the sea. Could I use this as a MM substitute if need be?

 

[steelhealr]

What size tank? Sh

 

[Matthew5664]

about 50UKG total

38 tank

13 sump

Just a Q? what does this have to do with analysis of sand types? or Mud from the IOW??

 

[Aquascaper]

I personally wouldn't use any sand or mud collected from the coastline as this is where the pollutants build up such as oil from spills, sewerage discharge and chemicals from agriculture. Due to natural wave action, etc. sand from the coastline has higher concentrations of pollutants than offshore sand banks, etc. which is why very few people will use it. Even people who use NSW in their tanks usually collect it from offshore to reduce contaminants.

Use it at your own risk, I personally wouldn't for the sake of a few £'s

 

[SkiFletch]

Agreed. If you want to go through the excruciating fun of cold water diving you could go out a little ways past general wave action and pick some up off the sea floor... But then again, who wants to freeze their tail off at 50 feet of depth? I do that enough at work thank you very much

 

[Matthew5664]

I think I'll leave the colllected sand out and make my own mix from shop sand/CC/MM and stuff. Fount the "best" mix of partical sizes to use in a DSB:

5% <1mm
10% 1-1/2mm
15% 1/4-1/2mm
30% 1/8-1/4mm
40% 1/16-1/8mm


This is I found after 3 hours on the web, came with a nice little diagram too!

 

[Opcn]

the last thing you want to add is the sea weed. That wouls jus be adding rotting plant matter to kick up nitrates and feed microalgeas