Can you put Live Sand in a Brackish aquarium?

Question

I am getting 2 green spotted puffers and wanted to know if I could use live sand as a substrate to kick-start the cycling process for my new tank. I keep my specific gravity around 1.012-1.016. I dont care "THAT MUCH" if the bacteria in the live sand die after a little bit, I'm more concerned about the health of the brackish fish.

Answer 1

1) it might be contaminated and cause the death of all your fishes..

2) it LIVE sand, too light. if u put in water, its gonna be oh-so-cloudy in it..

3) these sands may contain other living things inside.. which cannot be perceived by naked eye.. as times go by, you may be smal growing worms or other things. Its quite YUCKY..

spend a little bit more to buy sand that are suited for aquarium.. Its much more clean n better. ALL THE BEST!

Answer 2

I'm guessing the root of this question was regarding whether or not the live part of the sand would be able to function in a brackish salinity rather than full marine conditions-- it can.  The nitrifying bacteria in saltwater will tolerate a salinity as low as 6 ppt (parts per thousand)*, which is well within the brackish standards that you listed.  However, I would recommend acclimating the sand (and its precious bacteria) to the tank over the period of a few days by lowering the salinity a point or two each day.

Answer 3

well, the live sand will raise your Ph a bit. So it depends on where your Ph is now, if it's already kinda high I'd say no.

But as long as you give it time to settle I dont see why you couldnt.

Though the substrate is not going to have a direct effect on your fish. It's what you want to look at mostly. Gravel has alot more color choices than sand. But if sand is what you want, go for it!

Answer 4

nio

Answer 5

no, you gotta sanitize the sand and the bacteria could hurt ur fish