How much sand is need and how to find it

[Sirsmiley9]

How do you guys find how much sand is needed id like 2-3 inches of sand in a nuvo 40 but i have no idea how many pounds is needed

 

[CodyRVA]

Per BRS: BRS suggests 1 pound of sand per 2 gallons of display tank volume on average

Considering you want 2-3 inches, you should consider upping that rate; most would consider that a deep sand bed.

 

[Sirsmiley9]

the problem with that is that the dimensions are taller and more of a cube

 

[nervousmonkey]

the problem with that is that the dimensions are taller and more of a cube

The height doesn't change that recommendation at all. Actually, status as a cube does not change the recommendation either. The recommendation is based on volume of water, not the tank dimensions. Dimensions of your tank play a role in the depth of the sandbed. Wait, maybe that's what you meant. Oh well, here is a great calculator from the Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation, aka GARF, for their Sandbed Calculator. They recommend 4", but that was when plenums were SO cool that "everyone" had to have one.
OK, back to the 21st century... GARF's calculator has you at 39 pounds for the Nuvo 40 at 2", 58 pounds at 3". BRS's recommendation would put you at 20 pounds, which is almost exactly 1". 1"? What? Now you can look back on today's conversation and tell someone that you remember when "everyone" that was cool had to go shallow to no sandbed.

 

[THolden]

Google is your friend.