Is Live Sand Really Needed?

[PRW1988]

Well, Im setting up a 6gallon tank and I was wondering if live sand was really needed, I'll still be running a filter and a having live rock.

 

[Ahoy89]

Not needed at all, just get aragonite sand for the bottom and the live rock will make this also "live" within a few weeks of running your tank.

 

[ben1987]

live sands a bit of a joke tbh, sat in a sealed bag with no oxygen subjected to differeing temps for weeks

 

[garybuk]

live sands a bit of a joke tbh, sat in a sealed bag with no oxygen subjected to differeing temps for weeks

Not all live sand is sold in a sealed bag some fish shops sell "live sand" from there own system! tho like said after a few weeks it will become live anyway

 

[PRW1988]

Well I currently have some Black sand, and I think it'll give some decent contrast to my fishs coloration. Will that be fine?

 

[Truck]

Well I currently have some Black sand, and I think it'll give some decent contrast to my fishs coloration. Will that be fine?

is this your first venture for salt water? if so 6 gallons is NOT a good starting point. sorry for going off topic

 

[PRW1988]

I had a 29gallon FOWLR, a 10gallon FOWLR, a 72gallon reef and soon enough a 55gallon and a 6gallon.

Back to the question, regular sand, would it be fine? I've heard yes in the past, but I still would like to know.

 

[Truck]

any aragonite sand will do

 

[PRW1988]

... -.-" I'm aware of that, the question is not about ANY other type of sand, it's if REGULAR AQUARIUM SAND can be used in a saltwater tank.

 

[Truck]

regular aquarium sand is silver sand as far as i am aware and it wont really help your PH, i would go with coral sand.

 

[kj23502]

it depends if there is silica in the sand. That could cause nitrate which could very well lead to algae issues.

 

[PRW1988]

Well, after looking around on the net, and realizing that I have plenty of live sand extra I decided to use Live sand instead. Thanks for the advice. I've also set up a 55gallon saltwater tank. The stocking is planning on being strickly damsels. Yes, I know they're aggressive, but I'm certain that they'll be alright with plenty of hiding spots and caves

The 55 is regular tap water, and the 6 gallon is RO. I'm planning on have a nano reef.

 

[Luketendo]

You don't even have to have sand if you don't want any. That's if of course you don't have any fish etc that need sand.

 

[kj23502]

Some bare bottoms do look really cool if the tank is done right

 

[lyotim88]

i've seen the bottom of tanks painted white and the light reflects off of it. Can hardly even tell it's glass, looks pretty good i must say.