Play sand and heater question

llmoe

llmoe

New Member
I read a couple of places that they used bagged play sand. Does that work. Can you use that.
Then I heard you can stick your heater in your sump. How does that heat all the water fast to keep your tank where you want it.
Thanks
 
llmoe

llmoe

New Member
Did the play sand work good. How long have you had it set up? Does it become live sand. Since you can use dead sand and it comes live. Isn't that plan sand?
 
celacanthr

celacanthr

Active Member
yep sure does become live and i used playsand to very nice! When first put in your tank it will look very cloudy but once settled only sw65ga's maroon could mak a dust storm.
 
lennon

lennon

Member
Originally Posted by llmoe
I read a couple of places that they used bagged play sand. Does that work. Can you use that.
Then I heard you can stick your heater in your sump. How does that heat all the water fast to keep your tank where you want it.
Thanks
I would do a search because I heard play sand is no good. Maybe some get lucky..but if you read the popular 'the conscientious aquarist" you will see that it is not recommended.
I suggest you repost and write "should I use play sand instead"..you will get tons of responses probably telling you to watch out and not to do it.
Just my opinion...
Good luck!!
p.s. depending on the size tank you have..they recommend putting 2 small heaters instead of one large one..being that if one fails..you still have one that will maintain some heat and avoid complete loss.
 
snipe

snipe

Active Member
Playsand is fine and MANY ppl use it. As long as it isnt silica based sand if that is the case it will cause algae blooms. As for heater in the sump it works just the same is in the tank as the water in the sump drains from the tank and is pumped back up to the tank it just heats the water up under neath the tank getting read of it in your display.
 
lennon

lennon

Member
That's just what I read and heard..But even if it is ok to use and it won't kill the fish..Doesn't it defeat the purpose of being a filtration system? Live Sand has many good things in it as compared to play sand. Why would anyone use playsand then?
Just curious
 
snipe

snipe

Active Member
Live sand you buy is just bacteria. You can use Live rock to seed the sand or buy a bag of Live sand to seed it. To get the inverts (microfauna like worms and pods) you need to buy Live rock or get some free cups of live sand from other local reefers.
 
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