[gmcmdc]

I've got a 72 gallon bowfront aquarium that's been established (other than two moves) for 5 years. I have about 2 inches of sand and tons of live rock and some mushrooms, then 11 fish (clowns, yellow tang, blue chromis... etc.) I'm interested in adding some anemones for my 3 percula clowns. So my questions are:

1.) Which anenome(s) do you recommend? and
2.) How do I go about adding sand? I bought some live sand that's in a sealed plastic bag and want to add it, but not mess the healthy, happy environment I've got up. I've read I need 4 inches of sand for many of the anemones out there.

Thanks! I appreciate your time and expertise so much!

M

[aquasalt]

Rinse the outside of the bag really well and then cut a hole in one of the corners. Now you can use it as a spout directly in the aquarium and control where it goes.

As far as anemones are concerned, I think someone once had a link to a compatibility chart that was very informative. Good luck, and oh, welcome to RB! Post some pictures when you get a chance!

[spanko]

Originally Posted by gmcmdc

I've got a 72 gallon bowfront aquarium that's been established (other than two moves) for 5 years. I have about 2 inches of sand and tons of live rock and some mushrooms, then 11 fish (clowns, yellow tang, blue chromis... etc.) I'm interested in adding some anemones for my 3 percula clowns. So my questions are:

1.) Which anenome(s) do you recommend? and Clownfish Host Anemones
2.) How do I go about adding sand? I bought some live sand that's in a sealed plastic bag and want to add it, but not mess the healthy, happy environment I've got up. I've read I need 4 inches of sand for many of the anemones out there.
This is not so about the 4" however if you are going to add sand the easiest and cleanest way is to get a pc. of PVC pipe long enough to go to the bottom of the tank and leave enough out the top to hold on to. Get a funnel and put it in the top of the PVC. Place the bottom of the PVC where you want the sand to go and pour it slowly into the funnel.

Thanks! I appreciate your time and expertise so much!

M

I hope that helps a little.

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by spanko

I hope that helps a little.

NO, don't do that with the sand. You need to rinse that sand first, live or not, there might be some die off in the bag. You need to put some fresh saltwater in a bucket about half full, then pour the contents of the bag into that. Mix up the sand and pour off the cloudy top part and add more fresh saltwater. After you get rid of the cloudiness you are ready to add the sand, don't skip the rinsing step.

[spanko]

You can do what you want to but riddle me this batman, why would you buy live sand only to rinse it and kill the life?
Seems counter productive to me! Might as well buy dry sand it is less expensive.

CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand 20 lb

Is this the sand you bought? Just look on the bag for the expiration date and if it is good don't rinse it!

[wesley6610]

Oh ye that believes everything the store prints on the bag, let me inform you that just because it says its "Live sand" or "cured" already, if you didn't do it yourself, don't believe it! Would you honestly put so called cured rock from the petstore right into your tank? I would hope not. All things "live" get packaged and shipped here, but what none of us know for certain is what temperature did that "live" package sit in at the warehouse, on the boat or in the airplane, let alone the fish store. So you are assuming that it is as fresh as can be, but if you don't know for sure, don't trust it. Besides, if you have a somewhat established tank and/or live rock already, you seeding half of your new sand with pre-existing sand will make it live, that's what you call "seeding". Ask any experienced reefer, just because they say it is something, doesn't mean that it is unless you do it yourself.

Batman out!

[aquasalt]

Nana Nana Nana Nana! Batman!!!

[wesley6610]

LOL! That was perfectly on time!

[aquasalt]

Couldn't resist! Just to set the record straight that is not me or anyone I know. I'm more of a wolverine guy myself.

[wesley6610]

I would agree or maybe a Gambit, where did he fall off too...

[lazy reef guy]

im not saying one way is right or wrong but i just added 320 pounds of live sand from my lfs out of the bag into a 55 gallon fuge for a 8 inch dsb and didnt rinse it and every thing is fine and still living after a month. Im just saying. but dont blame me if something goes wrong.

[wesley6610]

Again, a good point is made about a positive introduction that doesn't include rinsing and I am in no way saying that labled live sand isn't in fact that, I am simply suggesting not to take retailers at their word and for best results cure it yourself for peace of mind, is that not what we would strive for any way? Good point Dave.

[spanko]

I think we need to see what the OP means by a sealed bag of live sand. In my experience and in talking with others the Carib Sea Aragalive sand that is sealed, still has water in it, and does have an expiration date far enough out in time has not caused problems when introduced to an existing setup.

But the warning from Wes is a good one. Buyer beware type thing.

[wesley6610]

Agreed, I have seen many version of "live sand" and none of them are as good IMO as CaribSea, however checking for knicks or snags in the plastic bag is just as important as looking for the expiration date. The message to take from this whole thread is check, check and double check. When in doubt, cure it yourself and you should have no issues with the sand with proper care that depends on your setup and intentions.

[aquasalt]

Now let's get back to Batman and Wolverine speak already. lol

[spanko]

Holy Batphone Robin!

[spanko]