Southdown or Equivalent in Los Angeles?
- Thread starter buzz
- Start date
shep
Member
It called westdown in that part of the US.
Actually I would suggest going to LFS and checking dates on live sand. One of my friends just got 200lbs of live sand for 50% off due to it ran out of date by 2 days. he paid roughly 2 bucks a pound for live fiji sand that was only 12 days out of water.
Actually I would suggest going to LFS and checking dates on live sand. One of my friends just got 200lbs of live sand for 50% off due to it ran out of date by 2 days. he paid roughly 2 bucks a pound for live fiji sand that was only 12 days out of water.
buzz
Active Member
Shep - While Live Sand would be the ideal, even at discount rates, sand for a DSB on a 100g would cost hundreds. I mean, even your friend paid $400 for sand.
The beauty of Southdown is it's price. Although higher on the West Coast, $15 per 50 lb. bag (which is what I paid last time) is much cheaper. Cost is a factor for me. Building the setup from the ground up, I am all ready into it about $1500 and don't have sand, rock or lights yet. It's filled with water, but that's all.
I got it before from an LFS who stumbled across a few bags, but I haven't seen it in a while.
The beauty of Southdown is it's price. Although higher on the West Coast, $15 per 50 lb. bag (which is what I paid last time) is much cheaper. Cost is a factor for me. Building the setup from the ground up, I am all ready into it about $1500 and don't have sand, rock or lights yet. It's filled with water, but that's all.
I got it before from an LFS who stumbled across a few bags, but I haven't seen it in a while.
shep
Member
If you want to go cheap I agree with Old Yeller, instant cheap fixes are that and that only in the end. I have heard a few southdown horror stories before. Also I must say that if cost is a major factor for you maybe you should have went smaller to be honest. This is a slightly expensive hobby. I have about 3-4k in my 125. That's with me building the stand and canopy. Like I said though, cheap fixes usually end up being just that.
buzz
Active Member
I appreciate the input Shep. I didn't expect cheap. But why spend $400 for sand when you can get the same for half the price?
I've used Southdown before, and love it. It is a very good, fine grain sand and works great for a DSB. I am not looking for just a cheap fix. Just not looking to throw money away for no reason.
I've had tanks for over a year now - a 29g, and then a 60g, now the 100g. I have probably $4,000+ invested in tanks so far myself. I built my stand and canopy as well.
I'd rather put the extra few hundred dollars toward my lighting, or LR if possible. If I can't find what I am looking for, of course I'll go another route.
Old Yeller - I'll check that out. And yes, $18.90 is not bad either!
Thanks!
I've used Southdown before, and love it. It is a very good, fine grain sand and works great for a DSB. I am not looking for just a cheap fix. Just not looking to throw money away for no reason.
I've had tanks for over a year now - a 29g, and then a 60g, now the 100g. I have probably $4,000+ invested in tanks so far myself. I built my stand and canopy as well.
I'd rather put the extra few hundred dollars toward my lighting, or LR if possible. If I can't find what I am looking for, of course I'll go another route.
Old Yeller - I'll check that out. And yes, $18.90 is not bad either!
Thanks!
stillfrodo
Member
I ended up buying a 150lbs of the southdown then seeding it with a few pounds of live sand. Also I'm sure the LR is going to help seed it too. My LFS charges a fortune for live sand and to do a DSB would of cost me hundreds. Money best spent on LR corals or inverts.
buzz
Active Member
Well, a friend of mine took a ride down to a popular dry goods place near the 605 fwy (not gonna say which one), and picked up some sand for me there. 6 - 30lb bags of Aragamax, and 2 - 40lb bags of Special grade Seaflor Aragonite for the top layer.
Not too bad. 260 lbs of sand for $165.83. I'll seed it from my 60g, and I'll be all set. Thanks for the help.
Not too bad. 260 lbs of sand for $165.83. I'll seed it from my 60g, and I'll be all set. Thanks for the help.