ocean sand from gulf a possibility for aquarium?

amydw · 12-17-2005, 11:36 PM

I live near the gulf of mexico and was wondering if the sand would be a possibility as a substrate for my reef aquar. I have crushed coral now.

dobejazz · 12-17-2005, 11:48 PM

Welcome to TRT ! I don't know the answer but someone will chime in soon!

ChrisPrusha · 12-18-2005, 08:00 AM

The problem concerns polluntants in the sand. My understanding is that most beach sand, if not all, has the potential for some icky stuff in it that you don't want in your tank.

How can you tell? That's the problem...I don't think you can.

Again, this is my understanding...so hopefully others will share their opinion.

Casey · 12-18-2005, 08:24 AM

I live on it and would never use it.

Welcome to TRT

Tim224DT · 12-18-2005, 08:29 AM

Im with Casey I live about 2 min from the Gulf and i would never use the beach sand in my tank. There is no telling what has been in the sand or what is even in it.

Tim

Loverotties · 12-18-2005, 08:45 AM

Welcome to TRT maybe if you go off shore a mile or two and do a deep dive but not on the shore line.

Tim224DT · 12-18-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Welcome to TRT maybe if you go off shore a mile or two and do a deep dive but not on the shore line.

Personaly i would say nothing before 5 miles out. Thats just my opinion.

Tim

Blorton · 12-18-2005, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim224DT

Personaly i would say nothing before 5 miles out.

Wouldn't it be a lot cheaper and easier to just go to home depot?

Dan

Kevin1000 · 12-18-2005, 04:07 PM

Many people use beach sand without a problem ... I have been doing so w/o a problem on the West Coast for over 30 yrs ... use common sense and stay away from polluted areas.

Casey · 12-18-2005, 04:35 PM

there are no unpolluted areas after this years and last years hurricanes.

gwen_o_lyn · 12-18-2005, 06:05 PM

uh oh, the sand in my nano is right off the beach!! I guess we'll see if it works!! Maybe St Maartin sand is cleaner (i hope) !!

Casey · 12-18-2005, 06:10 PM

Hopefully your area is cleaner Gwen our beaches are a still a mess.

amydw · 12-18-2005, 06:52 PM

OK, so beach sand is out of the question. If I used "bought" sand, would I have to go thru cycling again? What would be the procedure?

Casey · 12-18-2005, 07:06 PM

No the sand doesnt make you cycle ,that happens when you first get your rock in.