Guide me in choosing sand from the available options

[oldmonk]

Hello All
Currently in the process of gathering equipment and other related things for my new and final set up that's scheduled for next month.

Given that I have limited options for sand choices, need help in picking up the correct one.

So this is what i have got to choose from:

Brand : Nature's ocean

1. Nature's Ocean Samoa Pink Live Sand 20 Lbs- Grain size 0.5-1.7mm​

2. Nature's Ocean Samoa Pink Gravel 20 Lbs- Grain size 1.7-2.5mm ( only 1 bag in stock)​

3. Nature's Ocean Live Reef Substrate 8 Lb -Grain size 1.0-2.5mm​

4. Nature's Ocean Natural White Live Sand 20 Lbs-Grain size 0.5-1.7mm​

5. Nature's Ocean Hawaiian Puka Shell 15 Lbs- Grain size 2.5-3.5mm​

Depth: 2-2.5". Should be good for sand dwellers and cleaners without getting blown away constantly.

So what average grain size sand bed i should aim for ? Can it be a mix ?

Kindly chime in with your suggestions/opinions/experiences

Thanks.

 

[Paul B]

I'm no help, I use gravel. Sorry.

 

[Cell]

What is your plan for livestock? Any sand dwellers? LPS or SPS? Some sand is too course for sand sifters or borrowers. Some is too fine and blows around in SPS tanks.

 

[oldmonk]

I'm no help, I use gravel. Sorry.

No worries.

Thanks

 

[oldmonk]

What is your plan for livestock? Any sand dwellers? LPS or SPS? Some sand is too course for sand sifters or borrowers. Some is too fine and blows around in SPS tanks.

Will be starting slow with FOWLR for the 1st year or so. Plans are to graduate towards lps and softies going ahead

Sand dwellers yes. Wrasses, cleaning gobies snails etc.

Thanks

 

[Cell]

So not too large then, I'd shoot for around 2mm max. Caribsea special grade is super popular and is considered a bit coarser sand at 1-2mm.

 

[oldmonk]

So not too large then, I'd shoot for around 2mm max. Caribsea special grade is super popular and is considered a bit coarser sand at 1-2mm.

Yes Caribsea is very popular but currently out of stock with no specific timelines.

Another thing i have noticed is , not many reefers with this Nature's Ocean brand. Any particular reason which i am overlooking ?

Thanks

 

[oldmonk]

No one with Nature's Ocean sand...?

Thanks

 

[homer1475]

I used caribsea dry sand in this tank. Dry is much cheaper FWIW.

Aragonite Special Grade Dry Sand 40lbs

Natural Perfection with CaribSea's Special Grade Reef Sand Ideal for both new setups and additions to existing tanks, this 40lb bag offers a cost-effective alternative to live sand. The dry nature of CaribSea's sand allows for pre-rinsing to remove dust, ensuring a clear view in your aquarium...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Alexraptor]

No one with Nature's Ocean sand...?

Thanks

Moi! I've used the 0.1-0.5 mm almost exclusively, love it and very conducive to microfauna. I have as of late though mixed in some of the 0.5-1.7mm at the ends/corners of the tanks, in order to keep the pumps from blowing it around there.

 

[oldmonk]

I used caribsea dry sand in this tank. Dry is much cheaper FWIW.

Aragonite Special Grade Dry Sand 40lbs

Natural Perfection with CaribSea's Special Grade Reef Sand Ideal for both new setups and additions to existing tanks, this 40lb bag offers a cost-effective alternative to live sand. The dry nature of CaribSea's sand allows for pre-rinsing to remove dust, ensuring a clear view in your aquarium...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

No stock at present.

Thanks

 

[homer1475]

No stock at present.

Thanks

You sure? I can add it to my cart and checkout?

Says "In stock" at the top of the page?

 

[damsels are not mean]

I'd skip "live sand" it seems to cause nothing but cyano blooms in new tanks.

 

[oldmonk]

Moi! I've used the 0.1-0.5 mm almost exclusively, love it and very conducive to microfauna. I have as of late though mixed in some of the 0.5-1.7mm at the ends/corners of the tanks, in order to keep the pumps from blowing it around there.

So going by yr exp of size , i will have to choose the live sand as the dry sand with grain size you mentioned is out of stock.

Thanks

 

[oldmonk]

I'd skip "live sand" it seems to cause nothing but cyano blooms in new tanks.

same is my worry

Thanks

 

[homer1475]

Sorry just realized you were in Asia. BRS isn't available to you.

 

[oldmonk]

You sure? I can add it to my cart and checkout?

Says "In stock" at the top of the page?

@homer1475 thanks a ton for yr help, but i am located in India so importing any sand is going to be way expensive.

Thanks

 

[dedragon]

No one with Nature's Ocean sand...?

Thanks

ive used the samoa pink live sand and it was too light for an sps tank even mixed with coarser grade sand it still wasnt great but great for wrasses (i have a leopard and had a pintail before lost it in a jump wen i moved tanks/apartments.)

 

[oldmonk]

ive used the samoa pink live sand and it was too light for an sps tank even mixed with coarser grade sand it still wasnt great but great for wrasses (i have a leopard and had a pintail before lost it in a jump wen u moved tanks/apartments.)

i would keep live sand as my last resort.

Thanks

 

[homer1475]

To answer your other question, I have used oceans direct before with no problem. I think most people go for Caribsea just because it's readily available.