Live sand is one of the most popular mediums preferred by saltwater aquarists as a natural biological filtration source, but it has many other purposes. From adding it to a tank as a shallow or a deep sand bed substrate, to using it in combination with live rock, to setting up a Jaubert/Plenum style NNR filter, learn all about what live sand is, how to cultivate it, and more.
Live sand is one of the most popular mediums preferred by saltwater aquarists as a natural biological filtration source, but it has many other purposes. From adding it to a tank as a shallow or a deep sand bed substrate, to using it in combination with live rock, to setting up a Jaubert/Plenum style NNR filter, learn all about what live sand is, how to cultivate it, and more.
The big question when adding live sand or other substrate media to an aquarium is, do you put live sand or other substrate in "before" or "after" you do anything else? Acutally it's an easy decision to make, because it all comes down to using common sense based on how, what, and when you put items into the tank. Here are some example situations.
From what live sand is and how it is used in a saltwater aquarium, to what types to use and how to purchase or culture your own, add it to an aquarium and maintain it, your About Guides profile live sand in great detail.
Unless you are going to be using the Jaubert/Plenum method of filtration, excessive amounts of live sand should not be used. The sand bed becomes too thick, creating unwanted DOC's. Here is an easy explanation of how much Live Sand you will need for your tank.
Since the Live Sand Filter was created by Dr. Dean Jaubert, the pros and cons of the DSB (Deep Sand Bed) both with and without a plenum have been discussed. Here is a quick overview of both sides of the debate.
Looking for something to keep your Deep Sand Bed stirred up or just some critters which will do a great job of keeping your sand substrate free of uneaten food and ditritus? Here are some sure-fire inverts that will get the job done.
How do you know if you are getting live sand or dead sand? Want to create your own Live Sand? This information will help you.
Just dumping a bucket of new Live Sand in your tank isn't the best way to add it. Here is a better method which will not only keep the tank the way you want it to look, but also keep the critters in the sand and on your Live Rock happy and healthy.
If you want to keep the life in your Live Sand, you will want to some critters to keep it stirred up. Strangely enough, these are called Sand Stirrers.
Your Guides define what a Jaubert/Plenum filter is, and explain how this type of NNR biological filter is set up and works to reduce nitrates naturally in saltwater aquarium and reef tank systems.
From the reefs.org Archive, an extremely detailed and involved article by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph. D. about using Live Sand Beds and allowing them to function as naturally as possible.
Luis Mercado of Reef Addictions gives his review on Albert Thiel's article about how to culture your own live sand.
From Albert Thiel, instructions and information about adding LS to your reef aquarium.
From the Albert Thiel Marine Infobase, how to add live sand, as well as detailed steps for cleaning and preparing your live rock before introduction into your aquarium for curing.
From Albert Thiel's Aquarium Infobase Library, how to convert from your present system adding LS and LR.
From Albert Thiel's Library, a great article about purchasing LS, details about cycling and die off, and much more.
...and Changing From A Berlin To Live Sand. An informative article from Albert Thiel's Aquarium Infobase Library about converting over.
Detailed information from Albert Thiel for using Sand Filtration with or without a Jaubert/Plenum.
More information from Albert Thiel about live sand and Jaubert/Plenum Filtration.
Information from FINS Reefkeeper FAQ's for recommendations on much live sand to use, and other valuable tips about LS.
Tampa Bay Saltwater offers a "package" for starting a reef tank natures way with with live sand, live rock and some live critters.
