Re: Is Live Sand for freshwater tanks possible?

"E.Otter" wrote:
> 
> Supposedly if you have "dead" sand substrate (with no bacteria in it) that
> is calcareous-based and deep enough (3+ inches depending on grain size) it
> will become "live" overtime with the bacteria needed break down nitrates
> into harmless gasses.
> 
> Anyone heard of this being used successfully in freshwater tanks?
> E.Otter

it'll be live with anaerobic bacteria - not good at all!
Some sands also have some silicic acid, which diatoms use to grow.