Purchased vs. harvested substrate

urbanthreatz · 09/16/2007, 10:08 AM

Being that i live in a peninsula and live about 1 mile from a few really nice beaches and less than 10 miles from some nice snorkeling spots, what would the potential hazards/ benefits be from harvesting sand from around some reefs? I'm not really trying to be cheap or even thinking about changing my tank substrate at all, just curious.

Thanks in advance!

Dr Begalke · 09/16/2007, 03:25 PM

It is probably illegal to remove sand from a reef.. if its not illegal, I'm not sure its the best of conservation practices.

kysard1 · 09/16/2007, 08:31 PM

I think a beach can handle it. Where do you think Carrib-Sea gets it? The Moon. Typical Green mindset, its OK for an authority to do something, but God forbid an individual do the same.

To the OP, do a vinegar test. If it bubbles violently you have a keeper, plus the micro-fauna.

09/16/2007, 10:08 AM	#1
urbanthreatz Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 171	Purchased vs. harvested substrate Being that i live in a peninsula and live about 1 mile from a few really nice beaches and less than 10 miles from some nice snorkeling spots, what would the potential hazards/ benefits be from harvesting sand from around some reefs? I'm not really trying to be cheap or even thinking about changing my tank substrate at all, just curious. Thanks in advance!

09/16/2007, 03:25 PM	#2
Dr Begalke Moved On Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: OH Posts: 246	It is probably illegal to remove sand from a reef.. if its not illegal, I'm not sure its the best of conservation practices.

09/16/2007, 08:31 PM	#3
kysard1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SE PA Posts: 827	I think a beach can handle it. Where do you think Carrib-Sea gets it? The Moon. Typical Green mindset, its OK for an authority to do something, but God forbid an individual do the same. To the OP, do a vinegar test. If it bubbles violently you have a keeper, plus the micro-fauna.