Substrate Question to the experts

sosnarfy · 01-18-2005, 09:07 PM

Okay, so I'm not a marine hobbyist, but I was sent in your direction from the Minnesota Aquarium Society in my quest for answers. Please go easy on this freshwater fiend.

I actually keep African Cichlids, and I'm looking for an affordable alternative to CaribSea Special Grade Reef sand. I've been told that southdown sand may be an option. So my questions are these:

1. Is the grain size of the southdown sand similar to the special grade reef sand? If not, can you recommend something similar that costs less than the $1 per pound than the CaribSea stuff?

2. Where might I find southdown sand in the Twin Cities area? I checked Home Depot and Menards in Burnsville, and when I asked if they carried it, they all looked at me like I was insane (they may not be too far off on their assessment...).

3. Any other suggestions for an aragonite-based, smaller grain sized (but not sugar sand) would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks so much in advance!

Dani
- Bows humbly in the presence of those that can keep alive (marine fish) what I would surely kill.

Graham · 01-18-2005, 09:11 PM

Southdown isn't easily found in stores around here anymore. Your best bet is if a generous hobbyist here has a bag or two to part with. I think it can be considered a little smaller grained than the special grade from Carib-Sea; I haven't seen anything finer than Southdown (particle size, that is). IMO, it's not as clean as Carib Sea, but in a non-marine tank, that may be of little consequence...

Minnreefer · 01-18-2005, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sosnarfy

Dani
- Bows humbly in the presence of those that can keep alive (marine fish) what I would surely kill.

Don't be so hard on yourself, there are a LOT of incompentent people with salt water tanks that keep marine fish alive beyond most others explaination.

HFG · 01-18-2005, 09:29 PM

Like many Nothern Marine folks I started w/ cichlid tanks... for quite a few years.
If I did it again I would not use gravel. 3/8 inch cutting board (HDPE)!
and a big wet/dry filter.

Something to think about

Frogbone · 01-18-2005, 09:31 PM

Call the Apple Valley Home Depot. I can't remember the guys name in the home and garden department but he found Southdown sand for me in Milwaukee and had it shipped to the Apple Valley store.Total cost : $6 per bag

Ask around until you find the guy that did taht for me. If you find him and he can do it again, shoot me a PM and I will order some with you to make it worth their while.

FastFish720 · 01-18-2005, 09:42 PM

Log onto DrsFosterSmith and you can order it for 12.69+4.50 overcharge so 17.49 a bag plus ~10 shipping. So if you order 3 bags its just over $1 a lb if you get $4 its a $ a lb. Otherwise look for some SD. If you are interested in picking up. I will be placing an order soon for some Meridian Oolitic Aragonite. I will be getting 3 bags for my 90. This should do just under 1.5", but I won't use it all. All I ask is that you cover your bill + that dollar amount % factored into shipping.

trodder · 01-18-2005, 10:59 PM

I think southdown may be too fine for what you are looking for... it is pretty much sugar granular size.... I would almost go as far as too say powdered sugar... but not quite...

otolith · 01-18-2005, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnreefer

Don't be so hard on yourself, there are a LOT of incompentent people with salt water tanks that keep marine fish alive beyond most others explaination.

Isn't that the truth. I guess I consider a FW planted discus tank to be the ultimate in tanks.

WildPraire · 01-19-2005, 12:05 AM

I have southdown sand that I would sell. I think I have at least 4-5 bags. I believe I paid 10.00 a bag for it, and would sell it for that.

Sue

sosnarfy · 01-19-2005, 12:37 PM

If I can't find Southdown sand locally, I may have to bite the bullet and go with the Meridian Oolite, or the CaribSea. We have a number of tanks that we plan on using this in, so spending $1/pound gets to be overwhelming.

As far as attempting a marine tank... Maybe someday. I'm not sure I'm brave enough yet.

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Have a great day!
Dani

JnS · 01-19-2005, 05:13 PM

are you looking to use this in african cichlid tanks? malawi or tang? any sand sifters?

Jerry

David Grigor · 01-19-2005, 06:49 PM

Like Thomas mentioned based on your original post, Southdown is basically sugar-sized grains. Definately smaller than Special Grade.

I don't really think there are any real cheap alternatives for the size grain your looking for.

HFG · 01-19-2005, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Grigor

Like Thomas mentioned based on your original post, Southdown is basically sugar-sized grains. Definately smaller than Special Grade.

I don't really think there are any real cheap alternatives for the size grain your looking for.

Did i mention more big rocks and no sand?

sosnarfy · 01-19-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JnS

are you looking to use this in african cichlid tanks? malawi or tang? any sand sifters?

Jerry

Malawi cichlids. No sand sifters, but they may occasionally dig in the sand. I'll be putting in a bunch of rock for hidey holes too if I can track down some decent grotto/lace rock.

Many thanks to Sue for parting with a couple bags of Southdown sand. I have a good start for my new tank! If you folks haven't seen her tank, it's GORGEOUS! It makes our lowly freshies pale in comparison!

Dani

JnS · 01-20-2005, 05:34 PM

Dani,

I bred african cichlids for over 6 years, mostly wild caught as they have better off spring and you know they are not crossed. what do you have?

also I have a few books that you might be intrested in.

go to mills fleet farm and pick up crushed calcium carbonate. it is crushed lime stone that they feed chickens, rinse it real well and you will be set. last time I got a bag it was $3.50 for a 50pound bag.

if you like sand I always used silca sand from menards, just make sure it does not have fiberglass in the ingrediants.

I will post some pics for you as soon as I find them

Jerry

Quote:

Originally Posted by sosnarfy

Malawi cichlids. No sand sifters, but they may occasionally dig in the sand. I'll be putting in a bunch of rock for hidey holes too if I can track down some decent grotto/lace rock.

Many thanks to Sue for parting with a couple bags of Southdown sand. I have a good start for my new tank! If you folks haven't seen her tank, it's GORGEOUS! It makes our lowly freshies pale in comparison!

Dani