DSB Questions... How Much of What?

teetee

teetee

Member
So, I will be converting a CC & UGF system to a DSB. I have a 135g that will be a FOWLR set-up. I have some questions. For a sand bed, I have access to, (1) coral sand (inexpensive), (2) aragonite (expensive), & (3) live sand (very expensive). If I were to use all three & wanted to have a 4" thick sand bed, how many inches of this bed would be coral sand, aragonite, & live sand, & in what order would I have them? I hope this question makes sense.
Also, does live sand require the same sort of lighting as live rock? Thanks T.T.
 
K

krustytheclownfish

Guest
Have no idea what the answer to your question is(I'm a lot of help, aren't I?), but I have another question to add to yours. What's the difference between a DSB and a shallower sand bed...besides the depth!
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
 
tanker newbie

tanker newbie

Member
as far as mixxing all 3 sands personally i wouldent do all 3, i would proble do regular sand and live sand , the live sand will eventually seed the other sand.. as far as the other question about the benefits of having a deeper sand bed rather than a more shallow one is nitrates, with more bactria to break down foods and waste your nitrates will be lower if the sand bed is deeper, 3 to 4 inches is recomended(mines is at 3) nitrates in small amounts isent really harmfull(but still not wanted in the tank) however nitrates in large ammounts can prove to be fatel if not taken care of
 
seapig

seapig

New Member
I've got a 4"-5" DSB comprised totally of Quikcrete sterlized play sand from Home Depot. I has become alive with the help of live rock and everytime my LFS cleans there live rock tank I ask for some sludge from the bottom and they always give it to me at no cost. That gunk on the bottom is filled with good stuff. I just mix it in with my $2.59 for 50 lb bag play sand and it works great..later
 
teetee

teetee

Member
So what is this Quiccrete stuff. Sounds like a great idea. I wonder if Home Depot at the opposite side of the continent (Pacific NorthWest) carries the stuff. Anyone else out there use Quickcrete?
 
seapig

seapig

New Member
Quikcrete is the brand of play sand that Home Depot carries here in Florida. CHeck your local HD and see if they have the sterlized Southdown or Quikcrete. I have never been able to find Southdown but the QUikcrete brand works just as well for me and many others I know. Some people will tell you to watch out for silicates leaching from quartz based sand but this is a myth. The quikcrete PLAY SAND also is prewashed. no need to rinse..your water will clear in a day or two with the help of filter....later
 
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