Best & Safest live sand ???

Discussion in 'Sand' started by emtp380, Jun 15, 2007.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. emtp380

    emtp380 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    May 7, 2007
    Messages:
    97
    Location:
    NC
    In everyone's opinion who has the best and safest live sand you can order over the net?? I am getting my plans togoether to start my first tank and have no LFS with 60 + miles. I see alot on eBay, and don't know enough to know what is a scam or a deal. They seem to have the best deals. Or should I buy it from a supplier/store online? I plan on putting 90% plain sand then seeding, so that it will not be so expensive, I am doing the same with LR. I know it will take longer to cycle, however I think I will enjoy watching the tank grow and adapt, while learning as much as I can before livestock and corals. Thanks,,
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. ziggy222

    ziggy222 Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2006
    Messages:
    1,342
    Location:
    valencia,pa.
    live sands not a necessity.it just helps speed things up.how patient are you?if its to difficult to get the live sand just get aragonite or something.
     
  4. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2004
    Messages:
    9,219
    Location:
    CT
    Carib-sea makes good quality live sand. Just make sure you check the expiration date on whatever bag you buy.
     
  5. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
    Messages:
    4,860
    Location:
    Wonderland
    Many of the live sand offered for sale is composed of the same aragonite with a myriad of bacteria and trace elements/buffers.
    To save money, you could purchase dry aragonite and seed it with some sand from a mature seasoned tank, whether from a pet shop or friends tank.
    Live sand to me is one of the best sources of biological filtration that you could have and the benefits far outweigh the cons in terms of using sand for the benthic area of your tank!