"Live sand" Dumb question

[kapsix]

HI,
I know you think this is a real rediculous question, but here goes.
I live relatively close to the ocean in New Jersey, (Point Pleasant area). As I am very
new to the the saltwater hobby, I've been reading alot about "live sand".
Question (Gulp), would I be able to go the shore and just scoop up some sand from around
the jetties or beach? (In the water, obviously)
Please don't laugh too hard when or if you reply.
Thanks
Rick

 

[symon]

Actually You are not the 1st one to ask this, I myself would not do it! There are just to many things that can be in that sand. Yes i know it would save some money, But i just can't see it's worth it, You are trying to create a clean and thriving eco system, There is just no way to control what is in that sand! This in only my way of thinking! I am sure others will disagree.

 

[maeistero]

don't do it. there's way too much pollution out there. if you consider the price of live sand that you'll probably use forever compared to fixing problems that arrive on collected sand, it's hella cheaper. it's also illegal in most places. that ticket would be way more than a couple bags of sand from a lfs.
the successful people that i've heard of doing it go diving way out beyond the waves, but there again you have the cost of the dive.
hope that helps a bit.

 

[nrage]

Originally Posted by Kapsix
HI,
I know you think this is a real rediculous question, but here goes.
I live relatively close to the ocean in New Jersey, (Point Pleasant area). As I am very
new to the the saltwater hobby, I've been reading alot about "live sand".
Question (Gulp), would I be able to go the shore and just scoop up some sand from around
the jetties or beach? (In the water, obviously)
Please don't laugh too hard when or if you reply.
Thanks
Rick
I definitely wouldn't do it in New Jersey!

(jk)

 

[maeistero]

nrage i was thinking the exact same thing, i just didn't want to slam jersey people anymore than necessary! i almost suggested traveling to the east river ny as i hear it has some sand too, but changed my mind. :thinking:

 

[oceana]

.Not only do you have to look at the pollution side of it but you also have to make sure it’s the right kind of sand. In many many cases that sand is trucked in. If you do decided to take this route (which you should not) but if you do you should perform vinegar test to make sure it’s the right kind. Also you should check the legal side of it as well. Most of the time the fine from getting caught is a heck of a lot more then the savings

 

[kapsix]

I'm sorry it took so long for me to back to each of you for your "direction" on this topic, but I just got a new PC Dell XPS-600 (Woo Hoo) and there was a lot that I had to do, still not completely done yet. Anyway, getting back to the "live Sand" issue, I will heed all of your remarks and buy from the local.
Thanks a million for all your comments. (Even the one about Jersey) LOL
Best regards
Rick