Archivarium 2004

[DeeDee]

I was just wondering the importance of aragonite. I went to my fish store today to start getting supplies for my tank. They have aragonite "live" sand (not sure how it can be live if it is dry in a bag??) and marine sand. The marine sand was fine sand like on a beach is that OK or is it better to go with the aragonite? Just asking cause I like the look of the sand better...

Thanks...

[tdfd]

If you are using live rock, the live rock will turn your sand into live sand. Araganite sand helps buffer your pH to keep it stable. You can buy aragonite sand in differant sizes. some very fine to some coarser sands. The sand in my reef tank is just large enough that I can vacuum it. If it is too fine you cannot perform any maintenance on it without messing up your tank. You should check out the articles section of this site for the salt water articles. I would also recommend the book the conscientious marine aquarist. It has a lot of info for beginners.
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Fish are food not friends!

[SLACkra]

I have never used argonite. to buffer my pH I just keep my alkinity up or DKH. I have a DKH of around 6 and a pH of around 8.3 and my tank has white quartz sand.

andrew
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32g planted community
7.5g Nano Reef
1 four legged wonder napper
2 winged demons

[FloridaBoy]

I hear you can use the southdown sand at Home Depot, but I have not tried it.
Andrew, what additive are you using for alkalinity/DKH?
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[SLACkra]

baking soda increases your dkh. I also have some kent marine super buffer.

andrew
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32g planted community
7.5g Nano Reef
1 four legged wonder napper
2 winged demons

[T5Chris]

Live sand will just decrease the time it takes to cycle the tank. Plus, you don't have to wash it. So it's not all that bad given the cost. But if you need a lot of it, then it's better to do the traditional cycling method. Sometimes customers or handling will puncture the live sand bags. If they don't have water inside, don't buy them.

[MarkLehr]

When it comes to substrate, it really can be a matter of preference. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Even if you choose aragonite for the additional buffering benefits, you will still have to monitor your alkalinity and pH and buffer accordingly. Plus, over time aragonite can loose its buffering ability, especially in aquariums with elevated phosphate levels. If you like the sand, go for it! Just be sure to use a good buffer and test regularly.

[DeeDee]

I really like the sand so I think I may go for that. I am going to the LFS store tomorrow to start really organizing everything.

What test do I need for alkalinity? I have ammonia, nitrite, KH, and pH. What buffer do you suggest?

Thanks

[Filtration Master]

I have Aragonite Arag-Alive Sand.
I have 40lbs of The Bahamas Oolite
and 30lbs of Bermuda Pink.
The Bermuda pink was not arag-alive but my alive sand will kick start the Bermuda pink.
Anyways you should defenitly get it. Otherwise you will face severe pH problems. Oh and don't forget to stir up your sandbed once in a while or too much anarobes will create toxic wastes such as Hydron Sulfide and Methane.
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85 Gallon Marine Tank
--See Profile For Details--

[MarkLehr]

Your KH test kit will suffice for alkilinity. You can use the results to judge the length of time needed between water changes and/or buffering.