Sand only vs Sand + crushed corals/shells

[Steven777]

Sand only or sand with some shells

Which one do you use/prefer and why?

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hello

I used to use crushed coral. It was a bit rough for burrowing animals and some inverts in my opinion . I switched to sand and like it better.

If you mix sand with shells the shells will not stay in suspension with the sand. They will eventual separate out depending on shell size and sand size

 

[Sako338]

I prefer sand, I like to watch my goby burrow away in it, then come out to see what’s up. I went a little to fine with my sand though, newb mistake, I would have went a touch courser if I could have a do over.

 

[Steven777]

@Mastiffsrule @Sako338 Thank you. I made a mistake pouring 40lb of sand with crushed corals in my tank. So now I can't have any sand sifting goby then? the tank has no fish at the moment though.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

CAn you post the brand, type you used. Depends on the grades of the substrate

 

[Steven777]

CAn you post the brand, type you used. Depends on the grades of the substrate

This is it: https://app.chewy.com/9E3jPaSuqZ

 

[azzubr]

I have crushed coral. I have high flow in the tank and sand would just blow around. Don't have any sand shifting fish so it works for me

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I like you tank. Looks cool.

I had thought when you said (edit - coral) it was crushed not the bigger pieces if that is what you mean

Gobies usually go for .5 to 1.5 mm sand if I am correct. The spec I read on yours is 1.0 to 2.5. I would think you’ll be ok. I may suggest reducing the amount of shells tho. Even though they are small detris can build up in them.

Good point by azzubr. Sand does blow around a bit so be mindful if you are adjusting your flow.

 

[Steven777]

I like you tank. Looks cool.

I had thought when you said (edit - coral) it was crushed not the bigger pieces if that is what you mean

Gobies usually go for .5 to 1.5 mm sand if I am correct. The spec I read on yours is 1.0 to 2.5. I would think you’ll be ok. I may suggest reducing the amount of shells tho. Even though they are small detris can build up in them.

Good point by azzubr. Sand does blow around a bit so be mindful if you are adjusting your flow.

Thank you. I was thinking about taking them all out and replace with another sand but thats a lot of work!. I'll just scoop some shells out.

 

[Sako338]

I bought a set of aquarium supplies from amazon ( fish net, scrapers, sand rake etc...) I believe the rake could be used pretty easy...

 

[Steven777]

I bought a set of aquarium supplies from amazon ( fish net, scrapers, sand rake etc...) I believe the rake could be used pretty easy...

I'll look for it

 

[Bleigh]

That doesn’t look too course. How deep is it? My goby likes a lot of sand.

 

[Steven777]

That doesn’t look too course. How deep is it? My goby likes a lot of sand.

It's 1inch deep. It has a lot of sea shells though. You think the gobies would mind?

 

[Bleigh]

It's 1inch deep. It has a lot of sea shells though. You think the gobies would mind?

No. Mine actually likes to move around shells. He piles all of them at the entrance of his caves.

 

[Sako338]

No. Mine actually likes to move around shells. He piles all of them at the entrance of his caves.

I added a few and he does move them around too, lol, we took vacation and we brought back some nice small shells back and I put them in the tank, sure enough, the goby moved them...

 

[Sako338]

What’s not to love in a goby, he may be my favorite.

 

[Sako338]

I added a few and he does move them around too, lol, we took vacation and we brought back some nice small shells back and I put them in the tank, sure enough, the goby moved them...

I forgot it’s his house, not “my tank”.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

If you do want to pull a few shells, grab a fish net and skim the top of the sand to scoop the shells. Then while the net is at bottom give it a light shake. Depending on your net the sand should strain thru. Then you can pull up the shells.

I would pick thru them and keep some of the nicer ones. They will make great houses for hermits if you get them.

 

[Reef-junky]

Didn’t know they would do that. They are such a cool fish.