Live Sand

[ILuvTropicalFish]

I have read that live sand is probably not so "live". That makes sense. So I know I saw it somewhere here, but what kind of sand do I want to get? I have a 125 gal with a live sand bed that has been running 1 1/2 years and I am building a refugium. I want to put a deep sand bed in it. I know that play sand could have silicates in it. But it seems someone posted something about builders sand? Please advise. Thanks.

 

[fishlover500]

Aragonite?

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Aragonite?

Yeah thats the stuff, i think it's also called coral sand, its in dry bags on the lfs shevles, do not use builders sand what ever you do, hope this helps.

EDIT: spelling again

 

[Crazy fishes]

Why are you changing the substrate? If you have been running your tank for a couple of years with success then leave it be. Live sand is not as 'live' as the shops make out but since it has been in your tank in a maturing system it is now alive. Aragonite is only suggested to those starting new systems because it saves money with no loss of benefits but you have already laid out the cash and have some beautiful 'live' sand full of bacteria.

I hope this helps

Regards

 

[ILuvTropicalFish]

Why are you changing the substrate? If you have been running your tank for a couple of years with success then leave it be. Live sand is not as 'live' as the shops make out but since it has been in your tank in a maturing system it is now alive. Aragonite is only suggested to those starting new systems because it saves money with no loss of benefits but you have already laid out the cash and have some beautiful 'live' sand full of bacteria.

I hope this helps

Regards

The sand is for the new refugium. I do not have enough sand to fill the refugium, but I can get some dry sand and add my sand to seed it. I am hoping to get suggestions on what sand to use at the least cost.

Thank-you to all who have responded.