Is anyone using silica sand?

[MEC]

Ok a couple years ago I said that the next time I set up a saltwater tank I would use silica sand. Well a couple weeks ago I had to take down my tank due to the stand starting to come apart . I wanted to get a nicer looking sand bed in it when I set it back up , so , I went to the local Lowes and got some of the white silica sand they carry. Think I've red up pretty much on the pros and cons of this stuff and was wondering if anyone else has used silica, and how long they have had the tank set up. Know I'm going to get the usual diatom bloom with the compleate tear down, but wont get the ammonia cycle with the re used live rock. Do any of the silica users notice that you are using any more buffer than usual?
Had a DLSB in the tank orrigionally and went with a 5" bed of silica which I reseaded with some of the old sand. Can already see some life in the new sand although I expect it will take many mounths for this stuff to be considered "live".
A little bit about the set up: Its mostly a FOWLR 55 gallon with sump and large skimmer set-up, although I do have some mushrooms and polyps. At the most I will probably just keep shrooms and other low light stuff.
Anyone else dooing the same thing???? Mike

[Mikeman]

ive had it for about 4 months or so, give or take a few....no noticable alge problems........i see lots of good critter tracks in the morning....

i like it

[reefer504]

I have had silica based sand in my 75g since Sept.2001.The only thing I noticed was in the very begining there was more diaom blooms than I had in my first tank with Arraga Live sand in it.But completely barable.When I set up my new tank I will use Silica sand again.

The only additive I have been using is kalk.I drip it 24/7 with an auto top off.

Good luck

[FISHme]

I have a couple bags mixed in with several different type sands. System's been running at least a couple years with it in there.I have NO problems. I just run a CA reactor and drip Pickling lime 24/7.
Sea here :

[golfish]

The most common problem people have is packing, over time the sand starts to "fall in place" and fill all the little gaps because of the way the sand is cut. Take a look at the pictures below.
SOUTHDOWN



ARAGAMAX



SILICA

[MEC]

Thanks for the pics there Golfish. Hadn't seen the microscopic comparison before. Over the next year or so I'll have to monitor it and see what happens here. ....Mike

[golfish]

Some people have good luck with it, I wouldn't use it myself. Other then it not looking all that great and the packing issue, it looks like the sharp edges of the silica sand would be tough on the critters that live in it...

[Whisper]

Hi, I m using silica sand mixed with southdown which makes the mixture somewhat lighter in color rather than silica sand alone. I originally planned to top the southdown to prevent clouding the water (and it worked, never a cloudy water from day 1). I never had any algae bloom (I am using RO/DI water). The sand does not pack at all. Maybe the southdown prevents this from happening. Overall, I am pleased with the mixture.

[SPasse]

MEC,

Could you add an additional poll choice?

“Used it in the past, now use aragonite”

Regards,

Scott

[Poseidon]

I voted never would used based only on what the folks at Tropicrium say... Dick Perrin seems to corolate silica w/ red algae blooms... I don't know where he gets the info from, but it's hard to argue with his success in Coral farming...

Mike

[MEC]

I'd be happy to add another catigory Scott. Looks like the moderator will have to edit the poll though??Dont think I can do it from this end.
Good idea
Hey Mike I think Dick is misinformed there. Always going to have the usual algee blooms no matter what kind of substrate you use. So it shouldn't make any difference. The myth of silica disolving into the water is I believe untrue. Wish I could find the link I want here
Maby someone else has the article about silica??

[Ninong]

MEC,

Here is the article you are looking for: http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen9.html

Be sure to read the addendum of Aug. 4, 2000 in which Dr. Toonen says that he is talking about sand that is >99% quartz. A lot of the silica sand that is available is contaminated with feldspar and other soluble silica compounds in addition to the non-soluble pure SiO2.

[NaCl]

sometimes you will see the first two
photos described as "oolitic" sand ,
i believe it's Greek for "egglike"

[MEC]

Thankx Ninong, I'll go back and read the addendum.
Might have my sand tested, of look for an MSDS sheet on it ....Mike

[sspargur]

I am getting ready to set up a 85 gal tank and was going to purchase 80 lbs of live sand. I was thinking of getting a bag or two of the silica to supliment the sand to make the bed a bit deeper. What are your recommendations on this? Thanks

Newcomer to the board and to reefing in general, wish me luck!;)

[saltjunkie]

wouldnt use it... no need to with southdown around.........

and a very old thread to boot........