Got a new tank today

I am new to the hobby. I started a 10gal tank about 2 months ago and has been going well. Today I bought a 125 gal tank with a canister filter, another filer, heater, stand, heater, and more for $180. I was wondering what the cheapest way to put sand in it was. I have heard of people going to Lowes and getting sand and also getting sand out of the ocean. I live only a few miles away so would be easy. I have 25lbs of live sand in my 10 gal and could add to that to transfer some bacteria. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks Rob

 

Congrats on the new tank.....

 

the sand you can use from lowes and home depot, they don't sell it there anymore you have to special order it. if they can still get it

what i did i bought marine sand for my LFG, it was 50lb for 10 dollar i believe and then got a 5lb bag of live to seed the died sand

 

I wouldn't do the ocean thing because alot of the sand you get on the beach is loaded with phosphates and little hitchhikers you prolly don't want.

 

Skip sand from Home Depot and Lowe's! That has no buffering capacity! You want aragonite and crushed coral for best results!

 

i took sand from the beach and haven't had any trouble with it, doesn't mean it isn't risky though, a big plus with getting it off the beach is you will not have any sandstorm when you put it in,, even if i stir the heck out of it within a minute or two it all goes back down,and it doesn't clump either,there will be hitchhikers though, i got a bigold seaworm, tons of these little brineshrimp looking things and a couple snails, the shrimp became fishfood the snails are still with us and the seaworm died in a few days,temp was to much for him i believe.

 

Wow! are you ever hooked...10gal to 125 in two months...

Took me over a year to move up to one. I must be stronger willed..or more likely my wife is...

Welcome to the addiction!

Stay away from the Lowe's and Home Depot stuff...

The only sand that can be safely used from Home Depot or Lowes is what used to be called "Southdown" now called YardrightOldcastle, it is argonite beach sand, and is same stuff LFS's sell for much more $$$ --- unfortunately it is not carried by most of the Home Depot or Lowes outlets anymore. You might be lucky.

Biggest problem with using beach sand, is you have a good chance of importing something you will regret later.

Look around on internet, ebay, craigslist, etc...there are some good buys for bulk argonite.

Good luck & congrats on larger tank.

Keep us posted on progress....

8)

 

Be careful if you take sand from the ocean. Highly illegal in Florida, big fines, etc... If you have a boat and can get out to Federal waters you can collect sand, just make sure you can document that its home was federal waters.

 

I would by sand meant for the hobby. This way you are pretty well assured there are no nasties in there.

Good luck with the tank and don't be shy in asking questions.

Cheers

 

Yeah gotta be super careful... Before I knew about the laws I was visiting my mom in Boca and went to the beach in delray with the kids and all this LR was like under our feet and washing up.. I said, F'n GREAT !!! Got 5 bucket trips to the truck before I got caught. When asked what was in the bucket, I figured it was illegal or something , I responed, "I THAUGHT IT WAS YOURS" put the bucket down and slowly turned and walked away. LOL.. Luckily they did not follow.