Question on Sand

[Shep]

As I am debating setting up a new tank, I was think about using black sand this time because of how cool it looks, would there be any problems with using it over normal aragonite sand? Also are there any downsides to using a heavier grain sand (1.00mm-2.00mm) vs small grain sand(0.5-1.00)?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+27697+28225+7318&pcatid=7318

 

[Humblefish]

I tried black sand one time in a small tank and hated it. Just my opinion, though. Below you can see pics of the same tank, with black & white sand.

 

[Shep]

...wow, yea I like the white a lot more

 

[redfishbluefish]

The other issue with some (if not all) black sand is that it has a ferric component that gets picked up by your Mag cleaner.....and potentially scratching the glass. To me, that's a major turn-off.

 

[143MPCo]

The other issue with some (if not all) black sand is that it has a ferric component that gets picked up by your Mag cleaner.....and potentially scratching the glass. To me, that's a major turn-off.

+1... I can attest to that and have the scratches to prove it...

 

[143MPCo]

But it's the wife's tank so she get what she wants!

 

[Shep]

OK so crossing the black off the list, what about grain size?

 

[143MPCo]

This is what I personally like... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=7326

 

[Downbeach]

If you're going for a DSB(4+") to achieve some NNR, it would be best to use the oolitic sugar sized substrate. If its just for asthetics and less than an inch, I'd go with the special grade.

 

[Humblefish]

OK so crossing the black off the list, what about grain size?

I like the look of sugar sand, but unless it's a deep tank that stuff is gonna get blown around. I switched over to the 3.5mm Reeflakes and have been very happy (pic below).

 

[Shep]

Where did you get that from?

 

[Humblefish]

Where did you get that from?

LFS. Premium Aquatics gets it in sometimes, but they sell out quick: http://premiumaquatics.com/products/tropic-eden-live-reeflakes-sand-20lb.html

 

[bumperbeetle]

I actually mixed black and white together for a salt and pepper look. It looks pretty sharp. I will agree about the scratch potential however, when Im cleaning I just stop about 1" above the sand and it seems to help. Just be aware....it only takes a minute to take your mag-float outta the water and check for the little black granuales before you use it. Good luck!

 

[leptang]

Pros of black sand-
-If you end up spiking the pH to high the black sand doesn't turn into clumps of aragonite when dosing limewater or other additives.
-It will retain beneficial bacteria.
-looks that you may want to achieve

Cons
-may contain some iron or other minerals, metals, silica, and phosphorus
-magnetic

Aragonite sand pros-
-helps keep pH from falling to low when using a calcium reactor or other low pH problems
-it will retain beneficial bacteria
-looks you may want to achieve
-non magnetic

Cons-
-may have phosphorus and silica
-turns into rocky chunks when pH gets to high.
-dissolves over time with low pH
-if magnesium levels are to low it may drive calcium out of your water?

Grain size-
larger the grain can trap more gunk

 

[lviva003]

No sand. So much easier.

 

[Shep]

No sand. So much easier.

Meh, just do not personally like the look of a bare bottom tank