Putting in sand into my new refugium and...

inachu · 08/10/2008, 06:07 AM

The sand smelled like sulfur.

Is that good or bad or normal?

billdogg · 08/10/2008, 06:25 AM

where did you get it? it should not smell like anything (well ok - like sand lol) i vote for bad bad bad at the very least it needs to be washed very well - i think id just toss it and get new

inachu · 08/10/2008, 06:44 AM

is sulphur bad for a tank?

Maybe I should replace my entire sand bed but I think/thought with chemical reactions going on that this owuld be a good thing?

The sand I put into my refugium came from the main tank.

I do have some refugium mud. Should I use that instead?

Gold Stripe · 08/10/2008, 06:57 AM

Watch your tank! The sulfur you smell will lower oxygen level to dangerous levels if you stirred up too much. That smell is comming from dead or dieing anerobic (sp) bacteria. They live in the lower levels of your sand bed and die when exposed to oxygen. Run some fresh carbon and stop stirring up the sandbed. Also make sure you have plenty of surface agitation to replentish the oxygen levels.

inachu · 08/10/2008, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gold Stripe
Watch your tank! The sulfur you smell will lower oxygen level to dangerous levels if you stirred up too much. That smell is comming from dead or dieing anerobic (sp) bacteria. They live in the lower levels of your sand bed and die when exposed to oxygen. Run some fresh carbon and stop stirring up the sandbed. Also make sure you have plenty of surface agitation to replentish the oxygen levels.

So you think its at a dangerous point?
Yeah I'll go out today when the stores open up and buy some carbon.

Thanks for the info!

08/10/2008, 06:07 AM	#1
inachu Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland, metro area Posts: 1,219	Putting in sand into my new refugium and... The sand smelled like sulfur. Is that good or bad or normal?

08/10/2008, 06:25 AM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	where did you get it? it should not smell like anything (well ok - like sand lol) i vote for bad bad bad at the very least it needs to be washed very well - i think id just toss it and get new __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

08/10/2008, 06:57 AM	#4
Gold Stripe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 977	Watch your tank! The sulfur you smell will lower oxygen level to dangerous levels if you stirred up too much. That smell is comming from dead or dieing anerobic (sp) bacteria. They live in the lower levels of your sand bed and die when exposed to oxygen. Run some fresh carbon and stop stirring up the sandbed. Also make sure you have plenty of surface agitation to replentish the oxygen levels. __________________ I swear its the last coral I will buy honey ...... I promise!

08/10/2008, 06:44 AM	#3
inachu Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland, metro area Posts: 1,219	is sulphur bad for a tank? Maybe I should replace my entire sand bed but I think/thought with chemical reactions going on that this owuld be a good thing? The sand I put into my refugium came from the main tank. I do have some refugium mud. Should I use that instead?