Substrate??

[Paulie069]

So I’m close to switching my 55gal setup for a 65gal setup and haven’t decided on what I want on the bottom,, crushed coral or live sand ,, fine grit or corse uggh to many things to choose from
Using old stuff is not an option (it’s colored fake pebbles)
What are you peeps using and the good n bad of ur choice

 

[fishguy242]

hi ,i prefer bare bottom ,would recommend coarse sand for reef

 

[m_t_r_86]

hi ,i prefer bare bottom ,would recommend coarse sand for reef

After a year with sand, I'm making the switch to bare bottom. I plan on painting the bottom with a speckled already paint to mimic sand. Lately the sand is a hassle with any increase to flow and I'm tired of cleaning it.

 

[Paulie069]

After a year with sand, I'm making the switch to bare bottom. I plan on painting the bottom with a speckled already paint to mimic sand. Lately the sand is a hassle with any increase to flow and I'm tired of cleaning it.

I don’t think I could do bare bottom I think it’s ugly I think I’m going to go with a mixture of sand and crushed coral I’m just going to do a 1 inch deep bed

 

[Cell]

Caribsea special grade

 

[fishguy242]

crushed coral not good for burrowing fish /verts

 

[Paulie069]

crushed coral not good for burrowing fish /verts

I have it now mixed with fake pebbles and haven’t noticed any problems,,,yet

 

[tsouth]

I'm a big fan of the tropic eden substrate offered at Premium Aquatics. I use a mixture of multiples since I couldn't decide on just one

 

[MichaelReefer]

So I’m close to switching my 55gal setup for a 65gal setup and haven’t decided on what I want on the bottom,, crushed coral or live sand ,, fine grit or corse uggh to many things to choose from
Using old stuff is not an option (it’s colored fake pebbles)
What are you peeps using and the good n bad of ur choice

Depends on your fish choices. If you want something like a Goby you need finer sand.

 

[fishguy242]

depending on what you are keeping ,crushed coral has sharp edges ,not wrasse ,watchman.etc,safe will scratch them

 

[Auquanut]

Depends a lot on your intended flow and livestock choices. I use Caribsea argonite, and my melanaurus wrasse and engineer gobies do fine with it. It's a little courser than some, so the high flow I keep in my mixed reef (SPS corals like lots of flow) doesn't blow it around. It is probably a little too course for smaller sand sifters though. Just keep in mind that the finer the sand, the more it will be affected by the flow in the tank.