Does this substrate will be good in new reef tank?

[maddox]

Hello, i am starting new 200galon reef tank, and its time to add sand/substrate. My question is can i use this substrate? It is sold in my LFS as coral sand, but i can see its calcium carbonate, its fraction about 2mm, earlier i used it in my Cichlid tank without any problems. Maybe it is the same as aragonite?

 

[lapin]

That sand will be fine

Aragonite​

This is by far the most popular sand for saltwater aquariums because it is comprised of a type of Calcium Carbonate that will slowly dissolve in a solution of Ph 8.2.
This is important because most reef tanks like to sit at a Ph of around 8.0 – 8.2. As the Aragonite slowly dissolves, it releases Calcium Carbonate into the water which is then consumed by the invertebrates to build their shells and corals like LPS and SPS to build their skeletons.

Calcium Carbonate helps to maintain calcium levels as it dissolves.

Calcite​

This is also a calcium carbonate-based mineral except it dissolves at a much lower Ph of 7.5. With saltwater aquariums having a much higher Ph this type of substrate will never dissolve. Because it doesn’t dissolve in a saltwater solution of 8.0 you do not get the added benefit of the sand buffering and stabilizing the Ph.

Calcite is used more in freshwater aquariums were a lower Ph is aimed for.