What does sand do?

huh, didn't know play sand was reef safe.

 

I never had reoccurring diatom blooms. I only had one while my tank was cycling.

 

Not saying it is or isn't, it's just suspected of causing more problems than it's worth when for a few extra dollars you can use aragonite sand and take it out of the equation.

Lots of discussion on the merits of each can be found HERE

 

There is no reason it shouldn't be. It's all made from the erosion of quartz rock (SiO2).

 

I find it absolutely silly people cheap out and go with play sand. I would never use that in a tank of mine no matter how rinsed it was. Go with live sand. It wont cost too much for as little as youd get.

 

It has the same origin (continental erosion of quartz rock), unless you get aragonite, which is calcium carbonate based (as opposed to silicate based). I myself question how "live", live sand, really is. Most of your critters come in on your rock.

 

One issue with live sand is it is packed in a sealed bag with little to no oxygen. How "live" can it be? Also, I used the Marco fine sand in my tank and after the first couple weeks it settled down and hasn't been an issue since. I did get some clouding when I added my diamond goby, but that was to be expected.

I also second the fact that most play sand is silicate based and will lead to issues as silicates are thought to feed diatom blooms. Aragonite sand has a buffering effect on the water in the tank and will help stabilize the big three params.

Some people have had good luck finding Aragonite play sand tho, so keep that option open.

 

are you supposed to rinse live sand too? Or does that defeat the purpose...

 

I have always thought it defeated the purpose, but I am sure someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

 

No you are not supposed to wash it. That would kill anything living on or in it.