The Puffer Forum

I've been searching for hours on Google and other forums but nothing, so here it goes: Does aragonite sand goes bad? What I mean is do you have to replace it because it stops buffering your ph? Thanks.

For the members that have it in their tanks: Do you have to rinse it first? When doing water changes, can you vacuum it or you just rake it? And last, how many inches do I want on the bottom of the tank? Thank you

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but RTR or someone else recommended that a small amount be replaced every two years or so. Don't be concerned with it too much.
Yeah, definitely rinse it out (as with all aquarium substrates) they often contain a lot of fine dust and unwanted stuff that will cloud your water if you don't. You want a thin layer of about 1 inch deep.

No, it doesn't go bad but it does break down. I've never found it bad enough to replace. Rinse, rinse, rinse before adding to your tank or you'll have milky white water for a long time! Even afterwards, add floss to your filter to strain out the remaining particles in the water column.

Great, thank you both.
Will have Panchito new home very soon.