Kitty litter or sand for 1st chamber dsb?

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by coyle, Nov 29, 2010.

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  1. coyle

    coyle Bristle Worm

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    Will one or the other be better; what are the pros and cons of each one?
     
    coyle, Nov 29, 2010
    coyle, Nov 29, 2010
    #1

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  2. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    I am confused by this kitty liter concept, please explain.........

    You are referring to a deep sand bed for a display tank???????
     
    Corailline, Nov 29, 2010
    Corailline, Nov 29, 2010
    #2
  3. greybeard

    greybeard Skunk Shrimp

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    kitty litter IN a sump or dt? huh? this is a new one to me, I can't imagine but am dying to hear what this is.
     
    greybeard, Nov 29, 2010
    greybeard, Nov 29, 2010
    #3
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Oh well missed the part where it is going in the refugium and I am assumming u are looking for a clay like mud media.
     
    Corailline, Nov 29, 2010
    Corailline, Nov 29, 2010
    #4
  5. M-Ocean Man

    M-Ocean Man Flame Angel

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    kitty litter is often used in DSB refugiums because it is essentially clay (must be plain, cheap, unscented, non-clumping kitty litter).

    But in a system that is potentially worth thousands of dollars, does it really make sense to cut out a few dollars by using kitty litter? It is not meant to be used in reef tanks and therefore it is not held to the same cleanliness standards as the substrates that are used in our hobby.

    Does it really make sense to risk it for a few dollars? Especially when there are so many accepted alternatives out there for use.
     
    M-Ocean Man, Nov 29, 2010
    M-Ocean Man, Nov 29, 2010
    #5
  6. greybeard

    greybeard Skunk Shrimp

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    My thoughts exactly... after I realised Corailline was right about it going in a fuge/sump.

    I wouldn't risk it.
     
    greybeard, Nov 29, 2010
    greybeard, Nov 29, 2010
    #6

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  7. HippieGolfWear

    HippieGolfWear Plankton

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    I have used 3 inches of kitty litter and 1 inch of sand in my fuge with no problems.
     
    HippieGolfWear, Nov 29, 2010
    HippieGolfWear, Nov 29, 2010
    #7
  8. coyle

    coyle Bristle Worm

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    And do you see the nitrogen bubbles rising up?
     
    coyle, Jan 21, 2011
    coyle, Jan 21, 2011
    #8
  9. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

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    Last edited: Jan 21, 2011
    Telgar, Jan 21, 2011
    Telgar, Jan 21, 2011
    #9
  10. Clonefarmer

    Clonefarmer Millepora

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    It seems as though adding mud that leaches minerals is the opposite of what we try to achieve with RO/DI? Doesn't clay contain a large amount of Iron and other heavy metals?
     
    Clonefarmer, Jan 21, 2011
    Clonefarmer, Jan 21, 2011
    #10
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