anyone using seachem "calcite" black sand?

[nemo g]

came across a bag and did some research.

according to seachem, it has the exact same composition of aragonite, but unlike typical calcite their "grey coast" calcite buffers better than aragonite.

link: http://www.seachem.com/products/product_pages/GrayCoast.html

any info?

[nemo g]

ill take that as a no :D

[LauraCline]

Hopefully somebody will have an answer. I'd also like to know because I want black sand as well. The only thing that is a little scary about this stuff is the trace metals they list. At what concentrations do they harm fish?

Caribsea makes a black sand called "Tahitian Moon", it's not aragonite and provides no buffering but supposedly LR will eventually make it LS. here is the description:

"This 100% natural aquarium substrate will create a unique look in your fresh or saltwater aquarium. Contains no plastic coatings; simply rinse before use. Black "Tahitian Moon" sand creates a dramatic look in any underwater environment. "

[nemo g]

im glad you asked that question, it made me do some more research.

heres what i found:

1.calcite and aragonite are chemically the same
2. their physical structure is what is different, the way the atoms are alligned
3. calcite is more stable, and eventually aragonite with enouch heat will turn into calcite

here are some links:

aragonite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragonite

http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonat/aragonit/aragonit.htm


calcite

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcite

http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonat/calcite/calcite.htm

seachem claims it buffers better. so it may at least deserve a place in the sump/refugium

[MarkGP]

I have about 60 lbs of black calcite and another 80 lbs of aragonite mixed together for that salt and pepper look. I love it and have been using it for over a year now with no problems and I must say my pH and alk are very stable!

[nemo g]

the only issue i can find with the calcite, is only with its application not the sand itself.

for example, the calcite seems not to have the small, round characteristics of oolitic aragonite sand. so if you have gobies the argagonite is a better fit.

i am aiming for having some gobies and shrimp, so im thinking of tossing a few bags of the calcite into my sump for its possible better buffer capabilities.

i like the black myself, as the contrast really brings out the colors of both coral and fish. however, the gf prefers white. not even the salt and pepper ook will do.

maybe ill make my quarantine tank have the calcite just so i can have my way too :D

[MarkGP]

ok we know who wears the pants!:eek2:

[nemo g]

actually we both wear pants,

she just has the bigger wallet :D