I’m setting up a larger HOBrefugium. I have some sand in my current mini-one, but it’s honestly only about a ¼ of the sand needed to create a proper sand bed in the big one. My question is what should I use to fill in the sand for the large refugium? I obviously plan on using the live sand in the mini-fuge I have already. But we’re talking about adding about 10 additional lbs of sand. If the 10 lbs is LS will that cause an ammonia spike and mini cycle? Should I use just plain sand and let the 1 pound or so of sand I have seed it? What should I do? Keep in mind that it’s going to be introduced into the tank right away. My tank is only a month old.
IMO, "live" sand in a bag is a crock. Most of what was live when it was bagged isn't anymore. Worst case, there is decaying matter in there and will indeed kick of a mini cycle. Best case is, the ammonia generated when most of the stuff in the sand died was converted to nitrite and nitrate by whatever bacteria is left, so you either get a dose of nitrate, or sand that is no better than bagged dry sand.
I'd just add plain old "dead" dry sand. Cheaper and safer.
IMO, "live" sand in a bag is a crock. Most of what was live when it was bagged isn't anymore. Worst case, there is decaying matter in there and will indeed kick of a mini cycle. Best case is, the ammonia generated when most of the stuff in the sand died was converted to nitrite and nitrate by whatever bacteria is left, so you either get a dose of nitrate, or sand that is no better than bagged dry sand.
I'd just add plain old "dead" dry sand. Cheaper and safer.
Thanks. I was actually leaning towards the dead sand route.
Hello Noobeef! I concur with Phurst there about paying "premium" prices for LS that is suppose to be so much more beneficial to your system. You have the LS already, which is enough to seed the new that you need to implement. You may have an increase there in nutrients (Short termed mini cycle) , just keep a check on them and you should be fine. Keep us posted on your progress.
I went with the plain sand. Petsmart had a 22 pound bag of black sand on clearance for 7 bucks. Guess no one wants black sand? Anyway, I mixed in the live pound that I had with what seemed to be around 8 pounds. The new fuge is resting comfortably. I will monitor the spikes, but after taking a reading last night, ammonia and nitrates are at zero (or undetectable). I am still awaiting a light I bought on ebay for the fuge. I think the dude I bought it from may be bitter cause I won it paying only 5.50 and the light is probably worth around 30-40 bucks. Yes, it's brand new and sealed in the box. Once I get that, in goes the chateo.
Black sand? You may want to reconsider and get some fine (oolitic) Aragonite sand. Oolitic Aragonite is spherical in shape, so it tends to pack tighter than larger grains, especially non-Aragonite sands that tend to have sharp edges. Packing tighter means more sand per square inch, and thus more bacteria than looser substrates - and it tends to trap detritus less readily than larger, jagged grains.
The other benefit of Aragonite is its ability to provide a (slowly dissolving) source of calcium (even at higher pH levels), thus helping to maintain more optimum alkalinity levels.
Black sand? You may want to reconsider and get some fine (oolitic) Aragonite sand. Oolitic Aragonite is spherical in shape, so it tends to pack tighter than larger grains, especially non-Aragonite sands that tend to have sharp edges. Packing tighter means more sand per square inch, and thus more bacteria than looser substrates - and it tends to trap detritus less readily than larger, jagged grains.
The other benefit of Aragonite is its ability to provide a (slowly dissolving) source of calcium (even at higher pH levels), thus helping to maintain more optimum alkalinity levels.
Well, it's already in there. It's a fine sand, not crushed coral. I can't tell if the edges are more jagged or not, but it seems to be pretty compact. It is a calcite substrate. Here's the link to what I got. Black Sand
Well, it's already in there. It's a fine sand, not crushed coral. I can't tell if the edges are more jagged or not, but it seems to be pretty compact. It is a calcite substrate. Here's the link to what I got. Black Sand
Well, the Seachem page you referred me to clearly states that the Gray Coast Calcite sand has superior buffering capabilities, so no worries there! The particle size on the FAQ page is listed as 1mm - 5mm - which is a bit crude for a denitrator, but it depends on what percentage of the particulate are in the 1-2 mm range versus 2-5 mm range. A finer substrate (ie.. 0.25 mm -1.0mm) offers increased surface area for bacteria to inhabit, and reduces the amount of sand needed to provide an effective anerobic zone beneath the substrate surface.
You have the LS already, which is enough to seed the new that you need to implement. You may have an increase there in nutrients (Short termed mini cycle) , just keep a check on them and you should be fine. Keep us posted on your progress.
Anyway, I mixed in the live pound that I had with what seemed to be around 8 pounds. The new 
I will monitor the spikes, but after taking a reading last night, 
Once I get that, in goes the chateo.
Well, it's already in there. It's a fine sand, not crushed coral. I can't tell if the edges are more jagged or not, but it seems to be pretty compact. It is a calcite substrate. Here's the link to what I got. 
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