Live Sand Pouch

Listing ID #4333542

Description: Live sand, a term used in aquarism, is natural reef coral sand populated with millions of beneficial bacteria and organisms which aid in the dissolving of organic wastes like ammonia, nitrites and nitrates produced by larger organisms in saltwater aquariums.It is sand of particles originating in tropical and sub-tropical marine environments from bioerosion of limestone skeletal material of marine organisms. One example of this process is that of parrot fishes which bite off pieces of coral, digest the living tissue, and excrete theinorganic component as silt and sand. However, the term "coral" in coral sand is used loosely in this sense to mean limestone of recent biological origin; corals are not the dominant contributors of sand particles to most such deposits. Rather, remnant skeletal fragments of foraminifera, calcareous algae, molluscs, and crustaceans can predominate. Because it is composed of limestone, coral sand is acid-soluble. Live Sand is most important for a strong biological system - Live Sand is used to provide a strong biological system to any saltwater aquarium. Full of beneficial bacteria that break down nitrogen-based waste that is produced by marine life. This waste if not elliminated is what would cause severe harmful chemistry spikes in the aquarium water. Live Sand is equally as nescessary to fish only aquarium tanks that incorporate external filtration. Beneficial Sand Dwellers provide a natural food source - There are many beneficial types of worms and crustaceans found in the live sand. These dwellers are used by many fish as a natural food source. The grain size of ranges from fine (sugar size) to a medium grade. Live Sand acts as an immediate PH Buffering System to the saltwater aquarium.The natural components to live sand act as a buffering agent to the saltwater aquarium system. By keeping PH from fluctuating, it provides a natural means of keeping the stress levels of your marine fish to a very low level. What IS the correct amount of Live Sand to add to an aquarium? The recommended amount is 1 to 1-1/2 pounds per gallon, for a sand layer of up to 2 inches. If you wish to have a 4 inch layer, which is widely used, provide 2 to 3 pounds per gallon. What additioinal critters should be purchased to go in Live Sand? We recommend incorporating sand-sifting invertebrates such as sand stars, horse shoe crabs or and serpant stars and/or brittle stars along with your fish to aquariums that contain live sand. These animals will maintain the proper oxygen content in the top layer of the sand, and stir up detritus so that it can be removed from the aquarium by the mechanical filter. When do I add the Live Sand to my aquarium system? Live Sand needs to be added right from the begining, as it is beneficial in the entire cycling process of the new aquarium