Sand or not to sand

Calmbeast · Jan 16, 2015

I am upgrading my current setup, 35 gal sumpless, to a 50 gal cube 24x24x20 with sump, approx. 15gal. I currently have bright white crushed coral substrate. mostly big chunks and shells. for the new tank I was thinking about putting in black sand Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand - Bulk Reef Supply and also some of the crushed coral. I think it would give a neat look and I've read livestock such as anemones need sand. I have some questions on using sand though. 1.) does it need to be replaced over time? 2.) ive read some places that egg crate is put under the sand in order to stabilize rock formations. Is this necessary? and if so is it only necessary under the rocks or could a piece be put in to cover the entire surface area of the bottom of the aquarium? (negative impacts of this?) 3.) How deep of a sand bed is typical/necessary? 4.) Ive also read of people putting sand in their sump/fuge. What is the purpose of doing so? Your thoughts, opinions, insights and suggestions are much appreciated! Livestock for the 50 gal cube is as follows: 6 line wrasse, royal gramma basslet, bi-color blenny, 2 Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish, 2 scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp, various CUC snails and hermits. the only live stock addition I would like to eventually make is an anemone, probably an LTA. currently running eshopps HOB skimmer pk-100, will be upgrading to an in sump skimmer. Jebao wp-25 wavemaker, ocean revive Arctic T-247 LED.

Calmbeast · Jan 17, 2015

Any general sand substrate tips would help too.

Sacohen · Jan 19, 2015

Sand is a personal choice.
Some like sand, some don't.

I try to recreate the ocean a s much as possible in my tank so I have which crushed coral sand.

I've never heard of replacing it overtime. as a matter of fact most people say try not to disturb it to much once it's in.

If you put your rock down on the glass first and then put the sand on the bottom the rock will be stable and the sand will fill in around it.
You eon't have to worry about sand sifting animals moving the sand that your rock is sitting on and having the rock cave in.

A TYPICAL sand be is about 2-3 inches deep.

As far as putting sand in your sump, I've never seen anyone do this, but it may be to give the bacteria more surface space to grow on. Kind of the same reason people put rock or Bio-Balls in their sumps.

A lot of Wrasse like to hide in the sand, I'm not sure about a 6 Line Wrasse or not.

GOSKN5 · Jan 19, 2015

I like BB... easy to keep clean etc.. a little paint on the bottom can give a sand appearance as well... not quite the same up close.. but overall I like it...

Calmbeast · Jan 19, 2015

GOSKN5 said:
I like BB... easy to keep clean etc.. a little paint on the bottom can give a sand appearance as well... not quite the same up close.. but overall I like it...

That looks really nice! never really considered the BB method before...what do you have growing out the top left corner?

GOSKN5 · Jan 19, 2015

Mangroves and air plants behind them... just a little added uniqueness hahaha

GOSKN5 · Jan 19, 2015

Tank is painted on the outside bottom... using a textured paint... looks good.. can't really tell it's BB unless get right up to it.. even then not bad... I scrape if like the sides

Zacco · Jan 19, 2015

I am going bare bottom on my new build. I painted the underside of mine black to deter algae growth.

Viracon13 · Jan 19, 2015

Calmbeast said:
I've read livestock such as anemones need sand.

Which anemones are you referring to that require sand?

ohio reefer · Jan 19, 2015

I just switched to sand. I've run both bare bottom and sand. Bare bottom was easier to keep the levels in check. But looked kinda funny. Plus I wanted carpet anemone, sebae, and long tentical.

Calmbeast · Jan 20, 2015

Nandez said:
Which anemones are you referring to that require sand?

I am interested in adding a long tentacle anemone. ive read a few places that they like sand. Sometimes they attach to rocks and such, so maybe wouldn't be 100% necessary. Saltwater Aquarium Anemones for Marine Reef Aquariums: Long Tentacle Anemone

PCygni · Jan 20, 2015

GOSKN5 said:
I like BB... easy to keep clean etc.. a little paint on the bottom can give a sand appearance as well... not quite the same up close.. but overall I like it...

I dig the mangroves sticking out the top of tank, man.