Read About Live Sand

Live Sand contains nitrifying bacteria and other organisms that not only act as biological filter for the tank but also serve as live feed for some fish. Here's everything you need to know about this product.

Live Sand - What are they?

1. Description:

   Live sand is marine sand made up of crushed coral, aragonite and reef sand. The sand becomes live with the presence of many bacteria, crustaceans and other micro organisms. Live sand is used in marine aquariums and its usage has many benefits.

2. Who Needs These?

   Every marine aquarist who wishes to set up natural biological filter will use live sand and live rocks.

3. Why Do You Need These?

   Live sand will help filter the water like nitrate filtration, removal of hazardous organic material, etc.

4. Types:

   There are many varieties of live sand available, each coming from various oceans and seas. Usually the best sand would be the sand from coral origin. There are also starter kits available to make your own live sand.

5. Benefits:

   Live sand will make an efficient biological filter and removes many unwanted chemicals in the aquarium.

6. Uses:

   Apart from filtering harmful and unwanted chemicals, live sand will make the aquarium look more natural and the fish will live in a natural looking habitat. Also live sand will provide lots of live feed for many marine fish and other creatures in the tank.

Live Sand - Tips

1. Varieties:

   There are many qualities of sands available but you have to purchase sand that contains aragonite that has been collected from coral reefs.

2. Quality Choices:

   See that the sand does not contain silicates. You should buy enough sand as to lay a layer of 1 or 1 1/2 inches thick. As a rule of thumb it is safer to purchase 1.5 pounds per gallon.

3. Where to Use:

   Layer the sand at the bottom of the tank. Some people like to lie some of it on hollows in coral reefs and other ornaments.

Live Sand - Concerns

1. Safety Issues:

   Do not lay more than 2 inches of sand or fine grain sand since heavy layer of sand will trap organic matter within it.

2. Behavioral Issues:

   Live sand will closely simulate the sea bed and the bottom dwellers are happier and more comfortable.

3. Convenience:

   Live sand can be mixed with dead sand and within some weeks the whole sand will become live due to breeding of the organisms. This is a cheaper and convenient alternative to purchasing live sand for the entire aquarium.

Live Sand - How to Choose

1. What to Look For:

   It is better to purchase from reputed sellers who ship live sand from various oceans or culture the sand themselves. This will prevent being cheated into buying dead sand.

2. Expense:

   The price of live sand is expensive and many times it is better to purchase half the capacity only and mix it with dead sand.

3. Other Items You Might Need:

   You may require live rocks and sand sifters like some crabs and cucumbers so that any detritus in the sand is displaced and removed by your filter.