Using reefer's live sand

[gymbvolka]

Hi all,

If i get from used live sand from reefer, is it true that i have to water the sand first with NSW before putting in and at least save a cup of cultivated bacteria unwashed sand for quick set up?

I also need advise if the live sand in soak in a pail of NSW, how long can i leave it for? ( if there is not water filter or water movement, it is ok?) How many days before it become dead sand?

Thank you.

[cheemi]

I brought live sand , and put it in my tank without washing. No problem for me.

[gymbvolka]

no senior reefer to share with newbie?

[spkentchai]

There are pros and cons using reefer live sand.

1. Pros (you will inherit the good bacteria from the live sand which take times to cultivate if you start a brand new tank.)

2. Cons (At the same time, you might also inherit the hidden nutrients that come with the sand and most of the time was not disturbed. Now that it is distrubed, the level of spike might be high.)

Just my 2 cents...any other chip in...

[tropic]

can consider rinse with NSW before placing in tank. Wouldn't want the dirt and others unwanted to go inside. Can also use to seed new sands. I would consider go for the used sands and top it up with new layer sands to seed.

[gymbvolka]

can consider rinse with NSW before placing in tank. Wouldn't want the dirt and others unwanted to go inside. Can also use to seed new sands. I would consider go for the used sands and top it up with new layer sands to seed.

"used sands and top it up with new layer sands to seed" sound like an great idea

BTW can we keep them ( keep them in nsw after washing) like keeping live rock in a container of NSW?

Do we also need water movement to keep them alive?

[tropic]

Yes. Like liverock no aeration all the beneficial bacteria will just die and water will turn foul. I will not try not to keep too long.

[hydrox78]

i also heard is good to save a cup of unwashed sand for quick set up.

As after washing, beneficial bacteria will be wash always also.

[[V]tEc]

unless u are rushing to set up your tank, i dont see why u want to do that. 1 of the method i used was using matured live rocks, brand new sand, using nsw, dosing bacteria. tank was set up without going thur cycling. this is only useful if u have no time to cycle your tank.

[tropic]

Ideally start all new .. With matured live rocks. Then let it cycle past through the stages. It really helps. There r Pros and cons of using used sand. So just need to weigh the options.

[gymbvolka]

tEc' timestamp='1354807598' post='1077884']

unless u are rushing to set up your tank, i dont see why u want to do that. 1 of the method i used was using matured live rocks, brand new sand, using nsw, dosing bacteria. tank was set up without going thur cycling. this is only useful if u have no time to cycle your tank.

Thanks bro

using the above method, how many days do you need to cycle the system if you use matured live rocks, brand new sand, using nsw, dosing bacteria.

Can i run the system for two days and add in corals and fishes?

[spkentchai]

Thanks bro

using the above method, how many days do you need to cycle the system if you use matured live rocks, brand new sand, using nsw, dosing bacteria.

Can i run the system for two days and add in corals and fishes?

Even if you used mature rock or live sand from reefer...I do recommend that you cycle it for 2weeks - 4 weeks. I have seen experience reefer do it for 1 week...that's only when you know what you r exactly doing. For new reefers, I recommend the hard way....4 weeks minimum to get the best out of your tank.

[[V]tEc]

Hi bro, as I had no time to cycle, I let the system run for a day, added about 6 fishes on the 2nd day, 6 fishes on 4th day. By one week, tank was fully stocked. I was lucky that the system was able to handle my bioload. No fish or coral die during that period. infact they do better than in my old system. I believe the matured live rocks, bacteria and nsw helps. This is the 2nd time I actually did not cycle my tank.

Thanks bro

using the above method, how many days do you need to cycle the system if you use matured live rocks, brand new sand, using nsw, dosing bacteria.

Can i run the system for two days and add in corals and fishes?

[gymbvolka]

tEc' timestamp='1354958195' post='1078161']

Hi bro, as I had no time to cycle, I let the system run for a day, added about 6 fishes on the 2nd day, 6 fishes on 4th day. By one week, tank was fully stocked. I was lucky that the system was able to handle my bioload. No fish or coral die during that period. infact they do better than in my old system. I believe the matured live rocks, bacteria and nsw helps. This is the 2nd time I actually did not cycle my tank.

tks bro for the advise. will take note.

[kohwhl]

At the end of the day, all the advise will point to not rushing it and take your time. Enjoy your experience!

[gymbvolka]

At the end of the day, all the advise will point to not rushing it and take your time. Enjoy your experience!

yes i agree, the whole idea is to enjoy the whole experience.

Tks all.