Deep sand beds and critter kits

[theo]

How many people have built a DSB and did not buy a critter kit from a store or get it from anywhere? Also how is your DSB doing without it?:blob:

[commie]

I setted up my tank with 4-6" dsb about 6 months ago. All with southdown sand. I added about 90 lbs of fiji live rocks uncured in my 75 Gallon. Didn't purchase any critter kits as couldn't find any tin canada. Anyways, after 6 months, my dsb is filled with worms and other critters. I guess from the liverocks. I see alot of worm trails in my dsb, and little(1 to 1.5"inch) red worms inside(about 1 to 2 inches below surface) my sandbed. And thousands of little pods crawling on the surface.
The only things I purchased for the sandbed were 1 black mopping sea cucumber, and 2 fighting conches.
The fighting conches were the best purchase I made for my tank. They clean the sandbeds of all algae(including diatoms) and turns it over very efficient.
Good luck

[Kenzy]

Commie, where did you get the Fighting Conches? I've been hearing a bit about these guys and would like to find some.

[Gordoe]

any idea what the little red worms are? I have some in my tank, are they considered good?

Gord

[commie]

I believe the little red worms is some type of bristle worms and is considered beneficial for the tank.

Kenzy - I got my 2 fighting conches at a LFS in Toronto(Big Al's surprising had them). They were 2 for $20. Does a great job of cleaning the sand. They will eat up any algae growing on my sand, within hours of them appearing.

Commie

[Kenzy]

Thanks Commie I'll give them a try when I'm in TO mid-Dec.

Without actually seeing them I'd be pretty confident saying your little red worms are bristle worms. Generally "Good Guys".

[bobipema]

My DSB's are a mixture of sugar sized Aragonite and silica sand. I never had a chance to buy critter kits, because I live in Canada. I do have some live rock, and also see small Bristleworms. Unfortunately the worms never leave the LR.

[pluff]

:confused: For a DSB that Silica sand,is that the same sand that you would use for sand blasting?

Thanks

Phins Up^^^^^^^^^

:fish:

[bobipema]

:dance: I don't think that is the same sand. Silica sand is your everyday sand you would use in a sandbox. You buy it by the bag at Hometown for about $4.00 for 100 lbs. It is also used in sand filters for hot tubs etc. It is then graded to all the same size and is much more expensive:thumbsup: