Choosing A Substrate

[pgsonier]

I can't decide if I want to use a black sand substrate, or the more traditional white colored substrate. Are there any benefits/disadvantages to either. If a few of you could post photos if you have a black substrate tank, I would appreciate it just so I can get a better idea and perspective of what it would look like. Thanks!

 

[Spare time]

Black looks neat if you run your tank with mostly blue and actinic because it stands as a contrast to vibrant coral colors. The downside is the grain size tends to be larger (not the best for sand sifting gobies and such), and it is typically magnetic.

 

[pgsonier]

Black looks neat if you run your tank with mostly blue and actinic because it stands as a contrast to vibrant coral colors. The downside is the grain size tends to be larger (not the best for sand sifting gobies and such), and it is typically magnetic.

I'm really leaning more towards the black sand because the back of the tank is black and I think the contrast between the substrate and the corals and fish would look really good. I'm not sure how it would affect the lighting or even if it would. Would the tank be noticeably dimmer because of a darker substrate? Would the substrate affect the amount of light the corals would get? I ordered an AI Prime for my 25gal tank, so I think it would be fine. I just have a ton of questions and I'm trying not to purchase anything on a whim and do a lot of research and reviews before I make a purchase, so the more POV's I can get, the better.

 

[jcolliii]

Black starboard?

Menards usually has 1/4" thick in stock in 2x4' sheets. Just another option if you want t go with a black bottom.

 

[Spare time]

I'm really leaning more towards the black sand because the back of the tank is black and I think the contrast between the substrate and the corals and fish would look really good. I'm not sure how it would affect the lighting or even if it would. Would the tank be noticeably dimmer because of a darker substrate? Would the substrate affect the amount of light the corals would get? I ordered an AI Prime for my 25gal tank, so I think it would be fine. I just have a ton of questions and I'm trying not to purchase anything on a whim and do a lot of research and reviews before I make a purchase, so the more POV's I can get, the better.

I don't think it will really affect the brightness of the tank so I wouldn't worry in terms of its effect on coral. As for the prime, they cover 18x18 (unless this was expanded with the 16hd in which case ignore that).

 

[1ByLand2BySea]

I just came across this on BRS TV. They cover some pros and cons about different type of sand including black sand that I found to be true. It might helpful and answer some of your questions and concerns.

 

[NashobaTek]

Black Hawaiian sand, it's not pure black it has smaller grain white mixed in with the black. It's more of a course sand/ gravel, like lava rock

 

[vetteguy53081]

When i had my 360g, I did a combo of both ( salt and pepper look). Got a lot of compliments

 

[pgsonier]

I just came across this on BRS TV. They cover some pros and cons about different type of sand including black sand that I found to be true. It might helpful and answer some of your questions and concerns.

Thank you! This was very helpful.

 

[spiraling]

Black sand completly poisoned my tank with Nickle and Vanadium. I'm not the only one (there are a few threads around about it). If you choose it then I recommend getting triton tests and be willing to pull it out.