Beach Sand?

[Wooten_PE]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I live about 10 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. I was wondering how far off shore you would have to go to collect your own live sand. I am sure sand on the beach, and directly along the tide line is too contaminated for a reef tank. Also, would you mix in crushed coral to get a better consistency for aquarium use?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[graphixx]

you are taking a huge risk contaminating your tank by doing this but I would go as far off shor as possible if you are considering persuing this adventure. and as for mixing crushed coral, I would not do it I would stay with just the sand. Crushed coral is really notorious for trapping debris and is a nitrate factory. I would proceed with caution doing this. good luck

[Wooten_PE]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Generally, that is what I was thought. I guess I just wanted confirmation. Since I am not a diver, I guess I will buy some sand. Seems rediculous with about 10 million tons a short drive away, but better safe that sorry. Thanks.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#One more question: Is there a way to decontaminate the sand? I know we are talking contaminates that will not be removed biologically, but if someone has any ideas....#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[graphixx]

as far as riding of contaminants I really dont think that you can do anything about that I am not a 100% sure on this even if you could add somethng you are still running the risk of contaminating your tank with the stuff you added to rid the sand of the contaminants. Yeah it is kind of a crappy deal, especially when your so close to the stuff

[Wooten_PE]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Can someone tell me what contaminations you can encounter in sands collected near shore? Is it petroleum-based, pesticides, fertilizers, and/or something else?#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I am going to research this and get back with all at CR.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[dakar]

I would have to guess you'd find everything from petrolium products (gas, oil, suntan lotions), tons of bacteria, and not the good kind,human wastes. Just all sorts of stuff I couldn't imagine how to test for accurately. Depending on how far from any agricultural operations, the nutrient run from the fields and such can travel quite a distance, pesticides and other crud could travel out to sea and right back in with the tide on your colllection beach.

Then again the beaches are pretty much the collection cup for natures protein skimmers...

But please post any research, methods, findings, and conclusions you can. I'm certain they will be of interest to many of us.

[PhatBrdr427]

yeah anything you can imagine will be in there. Just depends on what is near by like dakar said. Some people use the ocean as their trash can, which is unfortunate.

[Limpit]

Tampa Bay Saltwater goes out approx 15-20 miles offshore to collect LR and sand so unless you have a boat and are an experianced diver I would stick to buying sand. Not to mention there may be regulations on the collection of it. TBS had to spend thousands just to get their permits to aquaculture LR because the state of Florida no longer allows the collection of wild LR.

[carpenterwrasse]

I hate to sound stupid but didn't the sand we buy start someplace...... like uncured LR i would have to say that you should be able to bring a little nature to your home with the proper time for clenseing if you will.... I don't live near the beach but i sure would try it on a smaller scale than say a 100 lbs of sand.... if you got the room I say give it a try in a smaller enviroment

[Wooten_PE]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#You all make valid points. I may try it and post results. I am still debating the issue.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I will be setting up a tank soon. Probably 29 gallon and keep it very simple for a while. Some shrooms and zoa's with a couple fish. That way if the sand I may/may not use crashes the system, I am only out a small fortune.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[Wooten_PE]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I have researched this a little further and found that sand in the Gulf of Mexico tends to have a high concentration of phosphate. Just thought ya'll would want to know.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#