Tristan wrote:
I collect sand off the beach and in short order its teaming with life form the live rock, or I often take a
scoop or two from an already established tank and add it. Does the
same thing.


I guess it also depends where you live and where you take your sand
from....around here it is highly likely that you would
introduce all sorts of nasties (pollutants) with any beach collected
sand....it might look clean and be certified "good for bathing" but then
just watch those ferries and merchant ships pulling out of port....and
just think of the oil etc.....same applies when anyone suggests I
collect rainwater for changes on my freshwater tanks....hmmmm....on the
Heathrow flight path....one of the busiest in the world....anyone care
to convince me that my rainwater doesn't contain aviation fuel....

gill