Best Hawaiian black sand?

[Hetts]

I want some reef sand that’s black with white specs in it. I’ve seen Carib sea Hawaiian black “sand” but it’s not sand it’s gravel. Could I get anymore suggestions? Also is a 20 pound bag of sand good for a 32 gallon tank?

 

[reefcleaners Verified Sponsor]

The gravel is preferred over the sand now because the black volcanic sand is sharp and seems to harm invertebrates. Black substrate is very hard to keep clean, just a heads up.

 

[Hetts]

The gravel is preferred over the sand now because the black volcanic sand is sharp and seems to harm invertebrates. Black substrate is very hard to keep clean, just a heads up.

What sand do u recommend?

 

[reefcleaners Verified Sponsor]

Go with an aragonite sand, one of the off white colors. Try to pick a grain size that you find visually appealing, but not too fine, you can color it up with bits of shell that will grow coralline on them. It will be easier to keep your tank in the long run.

edit - added "but not too fine"

 

[Hetts]

Go with an aragonite sand, one of the off white colors. Try to pick a grain size that you find visually appealing, you can color it up with bits of shell that will grow coralline on them. It will be easier to keep your tank in the long run.

Where can I buy good dry live rock as well?

 

[reefcleaners Verified Sponsor]

I don't know I haven't purchased rock online before but I am sure the other members here will help you out.

 

[Big G]

I want some reef sand that’s black with white specs in it. I’ve seen Carib sea Hawaiian black “sand” but it’s not sand it’s gravel. Could I get anymore suggestions? Also is a 20 pound bag of sand good for a 32 gallon tank?

One pound per gallon is a good starting point depending upon how deep you want your sand bed.
True Hawaiian black sand has a high iron content. Have been told the high iron could cause problems. Haven't used it myself other than in a freshwater tank.

 

[Hetts]

One pound per gallon is a good starting point depending upon how deep you want your sand bed.
True Hawaiian black sand has a high iron content. Have been told the high iron could cause problems. Haven't used it myself other than in a freshwater tank.

What sand would you recommend? I’m new to this

 

[Big G]

What sand would you recommend? I’m new to this

Wow! That is a loaded question. It's like asking reefers which light or pump is best LOL
But Fiji Pink is very popular but can blow around a bit as it has very fine grain.
Special Grade is a step up in grain size and won't blow around as much.

 

[Hetts]

Wow! That is a loaded question. It's like asking reefers which light or pump is best LOL
But Fiji Pink is very popular but can blow around a bit as it has very fine grain.
Special Grade is a step up in grain size and won't blow around as much.

I want a mandarin goby in my tank, will it be able to dig in the special grade sand?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Caribsea

 

[Big G]

I want a mandarin goby in my tank, will it be able to dig in the special grade sand?

Not as easy as in Fiji Pink.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I want a mandarin goby in my tank, will it be able to dig in the special grade sand?

They generally don’t dig in sand. They surface sweep for food

 

[ChrisKSB]

I Purchased 30# of Carib Sea Arag-Alive Hawaiian Black for my 32 gallon biocube. Used about 28# of it...I like it (when it isn't covered in algae ;( ) Still going through the uglies!

<<<---Check my build thread for a pic of it...

 

[Big G]

I Purchased 30# of Carib Sea Arag-Alive Hawaiian Black for my 32 gallon biocube. Used about 28# of it...I like it (when it isn't covered in algae ;( ) Still going through the uglies!

<<<---Check my build thread for a pic of it...

Wow! Very nice

 

[DWill]

I want some reef sand that’s black with white specs in it. I’ve seen Carib sea Hawaiian black “sand” but it’s not sand it’s gravel. Could I get anymore suggestions? Also is a 20 pound bag of sand good for a 32 gallon tank?

Possessing black sand from Hawaii is bad juju no matter how you come to have it !

 

[sfin52]

Be very careful of any black sand. @Robin Haselden some and it contained metals. If you take a magnet and it attracts any particles best to move on

 

[drawman]

I want a mandarin goby in my tank, will it be able to dig in the special grade sand?

Great fish. I would do some research and consider captive bred. They can be difficult to get to eat prepared foods but the captive bred should be much easier with that. Otherwise they need A LOT of pods.

 

[ChrisKSB]

I did the magnet test and got nothing...FYI...

 

[sfin52]

I did the magnet test and got nothing...FYI...

That would be good