Let me hear your thoughts on black sand.

rajkovich207 · Sep 27, 2015

I've been thinking of doing black sand for my reef. The only thing holding me back is that black sand might be magnetic and it also is not aragonite based so I won't get the added benefit of the sand buffing the tank.

I felt this fit in the reef Chem forum best because of the possible cons of black sand. But please feel free to move it if it would be more at home somewhere else.

I'd like to get a few other opinions of what you guys think, and if someone who uses or used it could chime in, I'd really appreciate it.

Brand recommendations are welcome as well because all I've found is carrib sea moon sand.

TheEngineer · Sep 27, 2015

I have the Carib sea Hawaiian black in my tank right now. It's only a month old, so I don't have any real history to report on. I don't use a mag cleaner so I don't care if it is magnetizable. And that's the only complaint I've really seen about it. I really like the color contrast of it. I think it makes everything pop more.

UNCFAN · Sep 27, 2015

I've had the Carib Sea Hawaiian black in my 125 for about 2 years. Looks great and no complaints or issues in my tank.

bsagea · Sep 27, 2015

I have Tahitian Moon in my 70 tech tank and that is definitely more magnetic than the others. On my new cube, I used the Hawaiian Black. I definitely prefer the black sand. Makes everything look much more colorful.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Sep 27, 2015

The "benefit" of buffering by aragonite sand is minimal (if any), but concerns about metals are more of an issue, IMO.

If it is a real beach sand it is likely OK as most easily dissolved substances will already be washed away.

But if it is ground up rock, or worse, coal slag, I'd be more concerned.

Reefrookie220 · Sep 27, 2015

I like nature's ocean Aussie gold. Everyone does black or Fiji pink, it's different and the Orange tint is awesome.

rajkovich207 · Sep 27, 2015

Thank you randy for the reply,
http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+9805+21432&pcatid=21432
This is the only brand of sand I can find that's black. On both marine Depot and fosters there is one review saying it's magnetic and several I don't. If I'm not mistaken mikeandterry used it in their nano in 90 a couple years ago. I'll have to see if I can dig that up.

rajkovich207 · Sep 27, 2015

It appears my phone loaded wrong and I have several replies. Thanks everyone for the input, I'll look around to see if I can find the Hawaiian black!

rajkovich207 · Sep 27, 2015

A quick Google search netted me a posting of the Hawaiian black on another forum where someone contacted caribsea to find out what it was made of. The North American sales manager responded saying it's about 1% aragonite and mostly basalts @Randy Holmes-Farley is this OK for the tank? I've never heard of it. Bath salts on the other hand I've heard of... Lol

teddy13 · Sep 28, 2015

i only use the hawaiian black and love love love it

oafguy · Sep 28, 2015

I have used the Hawaiian Black for years. It is magnetic so don't turn on power heads if it has been disturbed. Better yet remove them if there is a chance. Otherwise it is awesome. Makes everything "Pop" no leaching issues. Keeping it black by removing rubble or snail shells is the other drawback.

Pete polyp · Sep 28, 2015

From what I understand black sand will never become live sand.

Homer Allman · Sep 28, 2015

Right or wrong. I added 20 bags to my tank when I set it up. I do agree with it being somewhat magnetic. I have a black background and like it a lot.

Joker79 · Sep 28, 2015

Bump. Debating the same issue

Homer Allman · Sep 28, 2015

Let me help make it easier for you. Petco has it for 17.99 for 20lbs. they offer free shipping on 49 dollar orders and they 15 dollar off 75 dollar order coupon now. They are almost giving it away.

eliramos · Sep 28, 2015

I had black sand for a very long time
But in my opinion the color of the corals reallllly pops in white sand
Also black sand will dull out and looks really bad when it's dirty. I find white sand much more attractive and really brings out the color of the fish and corals!
Also when you decide to switch colors trying to get every last bit of black sand
Short of totally emptying the tank will be impossible so you will always have the black dots in the new white sand. Once you go black you'll need a heck of a vacuum to go back lol

chris31759 · Sep 28, 2015

I use the Carib Sea and have not had any problems. It is slightly magnetic. When using my mag float cleaner, I just scrub quickly near the very bottom. I haven't run into any problems with the glass scratching. I do take the magnet out and rinse it off each time and check for any stuck gravel. I haven't noticed any more pieces getting stuck with black gravel. The only way I could tell it is magnetic is by the cheap thermometer I used while setting up the tank. My understanding of basalt sand is that it is broken down volcanic rock. It can be high in iron oxides which would cause a rust coloration. I agree with Randy that the iron has probably eroded from the sand over time. I believe the magnetic portion is caused by a small amount of magnetite which can be present in basalt sand. I really like the contrast and think it is a little easier to keep looking clean. I have used Carib Sea products for over 40 years and still have a few buckets of old Dolomite in the basement. I hope this helps. Good luck with your choice.

Pete polyp · Sep 28, 2015

chris31759 said:
I use the Carib Sea and have not had any problems. It is slightly magnetic. When using my mag float cleaner, I just scrub quickly near the very bottom. I haven't run into any problems with the glass scratching. I do take the magnet out and rinse it off each time and check for any stuck gravel. I haven't noticed any more pieces getting stuck with black gravel. The only way I could tell it is magnetic is by the cheap thermometer I used while setting up the tank. My understanding of basalt sand is that it is broken down volcanic rock. It can be high in iron oxides which would cause a rust coloration. I agree with Randy that the iron has probably eroded from the sand over time. I believe the magnetic portion is caused by a small amount of magnetite which can be present in basalt sand. I really like the contrast and think it is a little easier to keep looking clean. I have used Carib Sea products for over 40 years and still have a few buckets of old Dolomite in the basement. I hope this helps. Good luck with your choice.

Acrylic is a completely different story lol