Sand question

This may be true but I'm using cheap play sand from Home Depot for my setup and 4+ weeks into it I see no problems.

....But a single result is never a scientific conclusion.

 

I agree, even with sandsifting stars the layer will still build up and all the sand won't be "in use" and to answer the OP's question, IMHO I think you should either go barebottom or save up for atleast alittle saltwater sand. You can always add sand as your able to afford it

 

To you, it's a single result. I understand where you are coming from. Scientific conclusion requires replication. What if I told you how many people I know who've had reef tanks with aragonite sand for years, upon years, upon years and they still have 99% of their sand still? That, my friend, qualifies as replication IMO. Do biofilms stop 100% of the dissolution...nope. Do biofilms prevent most of these chemical reactions?....yes indeedy. I have a buddy with aragonite Crushed Coral that has been in there for 35 years. Guess what, it's STILL THERE.

 

Thanks for all the great info everyone... Think I will wait and do it right the first time.