[Reel North]

I have a number of WC Tangs - Foai, Ventralis, Cyps & Ochrogenys.

I am lookng for a sand that will buffer the ph, as the foai seem to prefer it, and at that price, they can.... :thumb:

I purchased some Caribsea "Live Sand", which was supposed to be cichlid sand, but is live sand packaged in water or some such thing. I like it because it is darker than the traditional aragonite.

My concern is putting this stuff in my tank, and having the "live" critters die off, spiking the ammonia.

Can I just rinse it and stick it in? Or take it back, put in regular sand, and put a bag of aragonite in the filter (Eheim 2028 - running 2 on the tank) to help buffer.

I dont really feel like killing of my kids - they are all beautiful.

I will be moving the tank this week, so some good advice would be great, before I set it up again

 

[prov356]

My concern is putting this stuff in my tank, and having the "live" critters die off, spiking the ammonia.

I've not heard of anyone having ammonia spikes from die-off from that product. My skeptical side says there's not much in the way of live helpful critters really in there anyway. To be safe, a good rinse of any new substrate is a good idea. There are sands that'll buffer that aren't the 'live sands' that may come cheaper. Maybe trade it in for one of those? I share your concern about dumping that bag water into the tank. More I think about it, I wouldn't do it. Your filters don't need whatever may be in there, so can only do more harm than good. I'd rinse it if you decide to keep it. :thumb:

 

[naegling23]

Is this the same thing as the eco-complete for planted aquariums?

Those are sold in a water solution as well, you are not supposed to rinse it off, just add it to the tank, gravel, water and all. It is supposed to contain all the beneficial bacteria to jumpstart your fish cycle.

Completely safe, I had no problems with mine....the only downside is that it costs more than other substrates.

 

[Reel North]

I traded it in for Sahara cichlid sand, and saved 150 bucks. I rinsed 4 of the six bags, to be put in tomorrow nite.

 

[DemasoniLover]

Though the bacterias are slightly different between saltwater and freshwater... the bacteria from one will spike new growth of the proper bacteria without any problems! But I do have to agree that the use of the Sahara Cichlid sand you decided on is a way better choice... and cheaper! :wink: