Sand Swap

OK, as we discussed at the Oct meeting.

So, does anyone here know about a sand swap? Ever done one? Want to do one?

I was involved in a few of them long ago on RC and thought about this this morning. It's a way to add bio diversiety to your tank.

We all know that each of our tanks are different. With that, even our sand bed micro and macro fauna is diffeent in each of our tanks. So the idea behind this is that we all pitch in a few cups of sand from our respective tanks, dump them all into a tank and let it "stew" for a predetermined amount of time, stiring up the sand from time to time. Say a month or two. At the end of the "stewing" period, everyone that contributed gets the amount of sand back that they put in, but with some new micro and macro fauna growing in it.

As I said, I've done a few of these and have not had anything bad happen. So if you guys are interested, I have a tank I can set up and "stew" the sand.

Some basic rules:
1. You only get back the amount of sand you put in.
2. No unwanted pest.
3. Sand will stew for at least 2 months from the last addition of sand.

Any other inputs for rules?

Sounds fairly easy hu. I have a tank and skimmer I will use. I can put a light on the tank too if everyone agrees to it. Otherwise it will get some indirect sun light. I'll use water from my main system to fill the tank and also to do water changes in it from time to time. I can also run a UV light on the "sump" side if we think it necessary. We all need to agree on the 2 month rule or someingthing longer. 2 months should take care of any Ich that may be in the sand.

So what do you think? Anyone interested? I've got a good amount of sand in my sump that I can start the tank off with.

So if you are interested, copy the is list and add your name to the bottom.

SAND SWAP
1. Crusty

I'll add some sand!

nikecivic wrote:I'll add some sand!

You didn't follow the rules.

SAND SWAP

1. Crusty
2. Nikecivic

Yes thats why I have a nano at work. I'll give you sand and I can use the sand in my nano.

But you didn't copy and paste and add your name.

And aren't you supposed to be working over there? Or are you out enjoying yourself? Oh and Jimmy's jealous.

1. Crusty
2. Nikecivic
3. Dwolson2

OK we got 4 of us in the swap. Jimyy, you going to contribute?

I can get the tank set up and everyone can bring their sand at the next meeting.

Well due to some unforseen issue, like making a living, I will not have time to get the tank set up for the Nov meeting. So if you want in, you still have time. Maybe we push it out till the Jan meeting so that others can join in.

Jimmy? Paul? Anyone else?

We could also throw it in my tank... LOL

coryg wrote:

dwolson2 wrote:
1. Crusty
2. Nikecivic
3. Dwolson2
4. coryg
5. Chase

I'll contribute as well.

dwolson2 wrote:We could also throw it in my tank... LOL

Works for me!

By the way, I am upgrading my desk tank and we could use my Nanocube6 to hold the sand for the swap. Lmk, it will be available by end of the week. We just need someone to keep the tank for awhile.

OK guys, we're up and running. I picked up Mike's old tank along with some sand that he left in it. I also threw in a big glass of sand from my sump and mixed it well.

So at the next meeting, if you want to participate, bring a bag of sand from your tank. I should be there unless something from work comes up. I'll post up if I'm not able to make it so you guys don't bring the sand.

We'll let it "stew" for a few months. I can also throw in some rocks to possibly seed in some pods if you guys want. ir if you have some small rock rubble with pods,you can bring that along with the sand. Just remember, it's a small tank so no big rocks.

Hey guys, it's only a Nano Cube 6 gallon tank so maybe everyone can donate a half cup of sand.