live sand

[jillian ayers]

This may sound funny to some of you'll, but I live on a beach and was wondering if live sand is just basically sand scooped off the beach. In that case, I could just go out and scoop myself up a few pounds just a few feet from home (I live on the seawall). Is this possible? Please don't laugh!

 

[pc fisher]

I live in Panama City Fl and I have went out in the water and gotten sand for my tank and everything has been fine. It already has all the little creatures in it. Just ensure it's from a clean area and all should be fine. I've even gotten little hermit crabs the size of an eraser for the bay that I live on and they worked out great too. I went diving a couple of weeks ago and picked up 2 arrow head crabs.
Good luck

 

[marine fanatic]

Jillian,
You risk scooping up contaminated sand that may contain toxins. Your best bet is to just purchase it from a quality LFS. It IS tempting to just go out and grab some off the beach but again, you are seriously risking contaminating your tank.