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Aragonite sand: live or dry

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General information

Aragonite sand is a popular substrate in marine aquariums, not only enhancing the aesthetics of the tank but also contributing to the health and stability of the ecosystem. It creates a natural environment for certain species of fish and other marine creatures such as starfish. Aragonite, being a source of calcium carbonate, releases calcium that is essential for corals, especially SPS corals, which require high concentrations of calcium to build their skeletons. This process also helps stabilize the pH in marine aquariums.

Aragonite sand is available in various grain sizes, from very fine to larger grains, allowing aquarists to choose according to their needs. The color of aragonite sand can vary, but it is most commonly found in shades of white and cream, which aesthetically enhance the aquarium and reflect light well, highlighting the colors of the fish and corals.

Dry aragonite sand

Dry aragonite sand is a popular choice among marine aquarists due to its properties that support the health of the marine ecosystem. This sand is usually collected from natural deposits and dried. It is known for its ability to buffer the pH of seawater at the appropriate level, which is crucial for the health of the coral reef. This sand is sold in dry form and is available in various granulations from fine to larger grains.

ISO certifications and standards can help confirm the quality and purity of the sand, which is especially important for aquarists concerned about the health of their tanks. When purchasing dry sand, it is advisable to choose products from reputable suppliers who guarantee the safety and transparency of their sources.

Advantages:

  • Naturally helps maintain the appropriate pH level of seawater.
  • The porous structure of the sand supports the development of microorganisms – biological filtration.
  • Provides calcium, which is crucial for SPS corals.
  • Cheaper compared to live sand.
  • Positively impacts aesthetics, the sand adds a natural look to the marine aquarium, mimicking the natural environment.

Disadvantages:

  • The sand needs to be regularly stirred to avoid the accumulation of detritus and the formation of anaerobic zones. It is recommended to have living organisms to churn the sand, e.g., Valenciennea puellaris.

  • Does not contain live bacteria, which are especially important during the initial setup phase of the aquarium to speed up the maturation process.
  • Sand of unknown origin may contain heavy metals and other contaminants.

Live aragonite sand

Live aragonite sand is sourced from natural reserves and is known for containing natural bacteria that are crucial in the nitrogen cycle. Introducing this sand into an aquarium can speed up the biological stabilization process, which is especially useful in newly set up tanks during their maturation process. Additionally, its structure and mineral composition support pH balance and maintain the correct water hardness level, essential for the health and growth of corals and other marine organisms. The sand is packed in airtight packaging with an expiration date, ensuring freshness and bacterial activity thanks to a patented preservation method.

Manufacturers often offer this sand in various grades and colors, from white to pink to black, allowing for selection of the right type for the specific needs of an aquarium. When choosing live aragonite sand, it’s important to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations for its use and dosage, as well as the experiences of other users, which can be found on aquarium forums.

Advantages:

  • Immediately enriches the aquarium with natural strains of beneficial microorganisms, positively influencing the aquarium maturation process.
  • The biofilm included in the sand is more effective than artificially added bacteria.
  • Naturally helps maintain the correct pH level of seawater.
  • Provides calcium, which is crucial for SPS corals.
  • Positively impacts aesthetics, adding a natural look to the marine aquarium, and mimicking the natural environment.

Disadvantages:

  • Significantly more expensive than dry sand. When choosing live aragonite sand, pay attention to its origin and the reputation of the manufacturer, which can ensure better quality and safety.
  • Regular stirring of the sand is necessary to prevent detritus accumulation and the creation of anaerobic zones. It is recommended to have living organisms to churn the sand, e.g., Valenciennea puellaris.
  • Potential risk of introducing unwanted pathogens.

Introducing aragonite sand into the aquarium

There are various methods and techniques for introducing aragonite sand into a marine aquarium that can help minimize disruptions to optimal conditions for its inhabitants. Below are some recommended practices:

  1. Before adding the sand: Ensure that dry sand is properly rinsed in RO/DI water before adding it to the aquarium to remove any impurities that could enter the aquarium and affect water quality.
    Live aragonite sand: According to most recommendations on aquarium forums, live aragonite sand should generally not be rinsed before being introduced to the aquarium in order to preserve the beneficial bacteria it contains. Rinsing the sand can remove fine particles and reduce water cloudiness after adding the sand, but it can also negatively affect the microorganisms beneficial to the aquarium’s ecosystem. Therefore, it is advised to add live sand directly to the aquarium without rinsing, usually in small amounts, to avoid creating a dust cloud and to preserve its biological value.
  2. Gradual addition: In newly established aquariums, sand can be introduced at the initial stage, while in existing tanks, sand should be introduced carefully to not disturb the existing biological balance. A recommended layer of sand is about 1.5–2 cm.
    Remember to add sand slowly, with circulators and recirculation pumps turned off to avoid stirring up too much sediment. This can be done gradually, for example by adding small amounts in different places in the aquarium.
  3. Using appropriate tools:  Use a pipe or funnel to transfer the sand, which helps place the sand exactly where needed, minimizing the spread of the sediment cloud.
  4. Monitoring after addition: After adding new sand to the tank, it is important to monitor water parameters such as levels of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates, which may rise.

Summary

Aragonite sand, both in its dry and live forms, is a valuable addition to any marine aquarium. It not only enhances the aesthetics of the tank but also helps maintain the health of the marine ecosystem by stabilizing chemical and biological conditions. Proper and regular maintenance of the sand is crucial to leverage its full potential while minimizing risks to the living organisms in the aquarium. The choice between live or dry aragonite sand should be an individual decision for each aquarist.

About the author

Picture of Grzegorz Bubak

Grzegorz Bubak

My fascination with marine aquariums began over two decades ago when I stumbled upon an article about this topic in a magazine. Since then, the underwater world has become my obsession and passion, shaping my everyday life. I started my adventure with marine aquariums with soft corals, which were my first step into this fascinating world. Over time, captivated by the diversity and beauty of SPS corals, I decided to focus on their cultivation, which continues to fill me with constant wonder.

Thanks to my experience and passion for marine aquariums, I am ready to share my knowledge and expertise with other enthusiasts in this field. I am happy to be part of the Reef Pedia community, which serves as an invaluable source of information for all marine aquarium lovers.