Black Substrate - pros/cons and photos?

[samnaz]

Thank you all for your input. Much appreciated.

Now that I know buffering capacity isn't a real issue, my only concern is grain size. I have read larger grain size (above 3mm) isn't ideal because it provides surface less area for beneficial bacteria, I think? Or something along those lines. Not sure if it makes a difference but I was planning on a shallow sandbed of ~1-1.5 inches, and I'd be vacuuming/stirring portions of it every 1-2 weeks during water change (I do this on my current tank, and the sandbed always looks dirty but that's a different story/perhaps unrelated issue).

Certain invertebrates prefer smaller grain size. Besides gobies and jawfish, I'm unsure which others do. I don't want grain size to hold me back if there are sand sifters I may want in the future. I'm assuming grain size won't be an issue for Nassarius or Ceriths snails and the only fish I'm considering is an Angler/Frogfish.

Sorry for many questions and maybe unnecessary concerns... I just really don't want to regret my choice of substrate later.

 

[trevormass7]

Um I've had a sand sifting star that did great in my sand until a issue with my ato killed. So no problems for the animals that I've seen

 

[Reef_Tank_Fan_SC]

I was told that substrate was more of a preference based on what you like to look at. Other than that it doesn't really help or hurt you tank.. I could be wrong but like I said, i haven't had any issues with it yet

 

[trevormass7]

I was told that substrate was more of a preference based on what you like to look at. Other than that it doesn't really help or hurt you tank.. I could be wrong but like I said, i haven't had any issues with it yet

Same

 

[CNDReef]

Wrasses might have issues with granulated sand instead of a finer sand. Other than that I don't see a issue

 

[Cory]

Surface area is negligible in a reef tank. Id get larger sand so it can be vaccumed of organics.

 

[samnaz]

Great. You guys are awesome, thanks.

 

[trevormass7]

I'm new to everything so I try to give out all the help I've gotten

 

[madweazl]

I used 100lbs of Nature's Ocean Bio-Active Reef Sand in my standard 75g. It has been up and running since 30 May 2016 without issue. The sand is small enough for my Randall's/Tiger pistol pair to burrow and diamond goby to sift. I haven't noticed any ill affects from using this sand. No issues with keeping it looking nice and it is still course enough to vacuum as well; I do it a few times a year (my second tank using this sand).

 

[samnaz]

I used 100lbs of Nature's Ocean Bio-Active Reef Sand in my standard 75g. It has been up and running since 30 May 2016 without issue. The sand is small enough for my Randall's/Tiger pistol pair to burrow and diamond goby to sift. I haven't noticed any ill affects from using this sand. No issues with keeping it looking nice and it is still course enough to vacuum as well; I do it a few times a year (my second tank using this sand).

Beautiful, exactly the look I'm going for (awesome scape too). That sand has pretty bad amazon reviews (most complaining it's brown not black) but imo it looks fantastic in your photo, and is exactly the black/mucky color I'm looking for. I'm convinced.

 

[Angelo Fatica]

Guess I'm late but...

 

[Jd120988]

Also want to add i believe the biggest downfall of the black substrates is that they are metallic so if you get too close to the substrate with your glass cleaner it picks up bits of the gravel and can severely scratch your glass as you make passes with the cleaner.... my glass was perfect before hawaiian black sand. Idk if this was mentioned at all and the op sounds set on the substrate they want. I'm not here to change minds just passing along my experience with the product.

 

[trevormass7]

Oh I use a magic eraser to clean glass that may be why I've never had that problem

 

[Jd120988]

Oh I use a magic eraser to clean glass that may be why I've never had that problem

I hate to put my hands in the tank more than necessary.

 

[Maacc]

Apparently, Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite provides "enhanced" buffering abilities. Can anyone confirm this is true?

Has anyone used this stuff? I can't find out what the grain size is.

I have that exact sand in my 13.5 evo. I am very happy with it.

 

[trevormass7]

I cut a strip and put it between magnet scrubbers

 

[Jd120988]

I've heard of that being done, and your saying it doesnt pick up any gravel at all

 

[trevormass7]

I haven't experienced it but id test it a little in your own tank to be safe. Wouldn't want you to scratch up the glass based on my advice. I'm very ocd about the glass so I understand the struggle

 

[Jd120988]

My daughter tried cleaning the glass while I was at work and got scratches all over the tank. I knew what happened bc the gravel was still on the magnet, she didn't mean to do harm she was trying to help (she's only 7) and I welcome her assistance in this beautiful hobby so I didn't get mad I just taught her the proper way of doing it as to avoid picking any gravel up in the future. She's my water change helper as well. I hope she embraces this hobby when she grows older as I have.

 

[trevormass7]

Haha yeah things happen. It's never perfect but always better if you can help and teach someone else