Aragonite Substrate/DSB

[Rog7]

I've read all the hype about aragonite; buffering, Calcium, strontium etc but most of the reefers I chat to say that you only get these benefits at a PH of 6.3 which is obviously very bad for any marine life. Is this true?

[HighlandReefer]

Argonite can start to dissolve at higher pH, somewhere around 7.7. Certainly it is a slow process to dissolve it at this pH level. It is dissolved in calcium reactors at much lower pH as you have stated, much faster.

In a true deep sand bed (in excess of 5"), the pH can be quite low in the anaerobic layer which may dissolve Argonite. This layer may be quite small.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree with Cliff's assessment. Don't count on it doing anything particularly useful, but it may slowly dissolve in a deep sand bed.

[Rog7]

So am I correct in saying that there is no benefit using aragonite as a substrate and little benefit using it for a DSB?

[HighlandReefer]

Yes, A clean source of silicate sand is much cheaper and can be used successfully if this is your intention. :)

Particle size of argonite sand and its smoothness is a benefit, plus it is more pleasing to the eye.

[Rog7]

I'm starting my first marine tank (260 gallon mixed reef) with a 1.4 meter DSB. I want to give my system the best possible start and as I understand it at the moment I can't justify spending all that money on aragonite.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

with a 1.4 meter DSB

Wow, any room left for water? :lol:

[HighlandReefer]

:lol:

You can always put the aragonite on top to make it look pretty.

[Rog7]

with a 1.4 meter DSB

Wow, any room left for water? :lol:

LOL, I have 120 gallon sump that has a 140cm x 50cm DSB

[HighlandReefer]

Ok, what are you using in your display tank and is this going to be a deep sand bed? :)

For a sump that deep, I would use clean silica based sand.

[Rog7]

:lol:

You can always put the aragonite on top to make it look pretty.

There is a beach near by that has a beautifully white sand but not sure if i can use it yet for the display tank, if not i will use aragonite.

But wont use aragonite in the sump for DSB as i need 120kg's of sand, LOL

[Rog7]

Ok, what are you using in your display tank and is this going to be a deep sand bed? :)

For a sump that deep

The DSB is only 4 inches deep x 50cm wide x 140cm long

[HighlandReefer]

I would not trust beach sand due to vehicles driving over it and other possible contaminates and pests, although it may be safe.

[Rog7]

I would not trust beach sand due to vehicles driving over it and other possible contaminates and pests, although it may be safe.

Is there a way to test? I can rule out vehicles, it's illegal to drive on the beach in SA.

[HighlandReefer]

Only through expensive tests performed by quality labs. Don't they have Heavy cleaning equipement that runs over the sand regularly to maintain it? Some of this equipment can be contaminated from other jobs also.

FWIW, you take a risk with anything you add to your tank, even the bagged sands sold at lfs.

[Rog7]

I would be very surprised if we even had one of those beach cleaners in this country :lolspin:

[Rog7]

Thanks for all the input guys, very helpful :thumbsup:

[HighlandReefer]

Your welcome. ;)