Stones, sand, or gravel?

[GSP1981]

I've noticed on YouTube vids and pics on the net some people use sand for their GSP.
They seem to bury themselves in the sand which is cool. Should I change out my substrate to sand?

Does it less stress the puffers if you use sand? Is it their habitat?

Here's my tank. Opinions and options are welcome please

[Pufferpunk]

We recommend aragonite sand, because it buffers the pH of BW higher & keeps it stable, around 8.

[GSP1981]

Thanks ill look into it. I used to live by Chicago. I lived in Bartlett/stream wood area for 10 years.

[Pufferpunk]

I'm right near Ohare.

[GSP1981]

Nice. Off topic but I'll be hitting up the NARBC show in Tinley park march 16-17

Should be some good critters their, reptiles that is

Casey

[Pufferpunk]

Since I got into reef tanks, I got out of 20 years keeping lizards, turtles & frogs.

[GSP1981]

Ahh gotcha, timing and hobbies are all different for everyone for sure. I guess it's a phase for me til I'm bored or see something I like alot

[GSP1981]

Will Carib sea arag-alive sand work? Stuff is 24.99 a bag with water mixed with it. Is that the right stuff?

[*GSP*Fan*]

Will Carib sea arag-alive sand work? Stuff is 24.99 a bag with water mixed with it. Is that the right stuff?

I'd look for dry sand over the live, if you can. The 'live' part of live sand usually is not live with it having set on a shelf and in an airtight bag.

The dry aragonite sand will be cheaper as well.

This is what I used, its what I was able to find in store somewhat close to me.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... lInUS%2FNo

[GSP1981]

Well I already bought it. I'm in the parking lot now. I could go return it. But the dry stuff is 5 bucks cheaper no biggie.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Well I already bought it. I'm in the parking lot now. I could go return it. But the dry stuff is 5 bucks cheaper no biggie.

No, not a huge price difference.

If this is for setting up a new tank the live shouldn't be an issue. Just saying in terms of any die off you might get from the live sand. That could cause an ammonia/nitrite spike which obviously wouldn't be good for a tank already stocked with any fish/inverts but not harmful if you're setting up a tank and beginning to cycle.

[GSP1981]

It's actually for a 4 month old puffer tank with two GSPs

I'll do more water changes to lower nitrite levels