Live sand....

[tacks]

Just thinking of switching from crushed coral to live sand. Does algea grow on live sand? Also, how much sand for a 125g? This crushed coral is a pain in the *** to keep clean...

 

[krazzydart]

just wondering..... what type of filtration do you have????? I have CC in my tanks and have no problems,, also have sand in a tank and it gets algae growing on it as well..... be sure to have a clean up crew, and good water circulation with a few power heads.... I guess it is your choice but I actually like the CC better.....

 

[jimi]

Algae will grow on any sand unless there is something to turn it over like critters in the sand.

 

[b_ball12_99]

What kind(s) of starfish are sand shifters. I'd like to know for my set-up.

 

[bobber]

Like krazzy said, make sure you have a good cleanup crew and the critters in the sand to do the work on the detritus. You'll need close to 300lbs of sand if you are going to go with a DSB or Plenum. Remember that only 10% of that amount needs to be live sand. You will get a small diatom bloom from switching, but it will go away with the cleanup crew.
b_ball, there are sand sifting stars out there, but they would be detrimental to the sand bed, not beneficial. They will eat the critters you want to thrive in the sand bed. I would suggest a cuke instead. Also, detrivore kits are available online and are highly recommended for sand beds. HTH--Bob