Black Sand for more than 1 year?

TerraCaelus · Aug 29, 2015

Has anyone used black sand for more than a year?

I am about to rebuild my system and I am considering switching from my Hawaiian Black to Fiji Pink after I have found that my sand is magnetic. What I am wondering is if anyone has had any long term success with black sand?

Tank size: For gallon breeder, will be mixed reef.

ermartin · Aug 29, 2015

I used it for about 4-5 years in a mixed 15gallon reef without any issues . I had everything but Acro's. worked well for me and yes I did notice that on occasion my cleaning magnet would attract some of the sand.

KillerKlownFish · Aug 29, 2015

Same here I have black sand. Switched a year ago and it looks awesome but it also sucks. It's magnetic! I'm gonna switch to fine sand. I had crushed coral and hated it!!!

KillerKlownFish · Aug 29, 2015

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1440872311.009067.jpg

dwebb1031 · Aug 29, 2015

The only problem I ever have with it is with my glass cleaner sometimes the sand will get stuck on the magnet and I scratch the glass a little otherwise I love it

ReefMadScientist · Aug 29, 2015

I went Fiji Pink. I like the natural look

ermartin · Aug 29, 2015

I also had better coraline than in any other tank... not sure why as I would think it would be just the opposite but i was always scraping big thick sheets of it off my glass

cperry7467 · Aug 30, 2015

I have black sand in my 55g, doesn't appear to be magnetic. Never had issues with it sticking to my mag cleaner.

IsaacG · Sep 1, 2015

What kind of black sand. Like which brand and all.

TerraCaelus · Sep 1, 2015

IsaacG said:
What kind of black sand. Like which brand and all.

Caribsea Hawaiian Black Sand

ca2or · Sep 1, 2015

Is there a recommended black sand to get? I too want to go black ;-)

and Terra got her post in as I was typing. Guess I will look into that.

TerraCaelus · Sep 1, 2015

Caribsea is the most recommended. Bulk Reef Supply carries it. Just be aware that it can be magnetic so you have to be careful with cleaners. It is very beautiful in tank.

cperry7467 · Sep 1, 2015

I have the national geographic black sand and it is not magnetic. They have a black substrate or black sand, which I did the sand. I like it. I think I bought mine at PetSmart.

Carolina Clownfish · Sep 1, 2015

I recently set up a 40 breeder mixed reef with black sand. Hadn't noticed it was magnetic, but I typically use a razor blade anyway. Nothing cleans like a blade.

rosieosieee · Sep 1, 2015

I've been using caribsea black for about a year now. I love it, probably will never go back. Just filled my
NPS tank with black sand as well.

AcroNem · Sep 1, 2015

I've had black sand(Caribsea also) in my reef for exactly a year this week, so I'll have to throw my tank it's year old party. About 130g, no sump, no issues at all. I'll add a few pics as well hope I load them right. Ps, I know the front glass has coralline on it I'll clean it off it's been a busy week haha.