Crystal sand from fluid bed for refugium

[mark freshwater]

Hi i bought a fluidised bed filter that i concerted to a pellet reactor,
it came with a bag of crystal sand that i never opened.
i am in the middle of making a sump , could i use this sand in the refugium rather than it going to waste?

 

[Lasse]

If the sand contain Si and if it become free from oxygen (anaerobic) in the bottom layer - you can get elevated levels of Si in the water column. Otherwise - I can´t see any significant disadvantages. But IMO - it is a good idea to mix it with coarser coral gravel/sand

Sincerely Lasse

 

[mark freshwater]

ok thanks , i might steer clear as it is in a unmarked bag ,
would this suit http://www.theaquariumshop.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=5565&name=Classica+Marine+Aragonite+Coral+Sand+5kg

 

[Lasse]

I prefer a little bit more course gravel (around 3 mm) because it will not be too compact and will allow oxygen penetrate a little bit deeper. But that is strictly IMO

Sincerely Lasse

 

[mark freshwater]

yes that make sense thankyou

 

[mark freshwater]

This is what im using in my DT its 2-3mm https://www.aquaristiconline.com.au...ts/serenitynaturalaragonitecoralsand2-3mm10kg
would this work for a refugium?

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

What are you hoping to accomplish by putting sand in the fuge? It will just end up dirty and a detritus trap IMO.

 

[mark freshwater]

hi,
i have seen mixed reponses about going bare with just a bit of coral ruble and LR and some cheato , or sand , etc.
i imagined with a bit of substrate the pods and worms etc would have more chance to thrive.
i could be wrong as ive never have a fuge before.
Also i imagine thats why in the previous replies i have been advised to not use fine sand but coarse gravel , to stop detrius build up , i was only going to use about half an inch.