What's the difference?

[Tortie]

What is the difference between Eco-complete african cichlid sand and Arag-Alive Indo-Pacific Black Sand? They're both live (come with beneficial bacteria), are black/white, and buffer pH. I was just wondering if there was indeed a difference (for using in a saltwater tank). If not, the cichlid sand is easier to obtain in my area.

[SDguy]

Any live sand for a cichlid tank (fresh water) will die in salt water. The bacteria, and whatever else constitutes its "live" determination, is not compatible with salt water.

[Tortie]

Thanks for the reply! I wasn't sure if the bacteria was the same in freshwater as it was in saltwater, I've heard it both ways. Thanks for clearing that up for me.