Thinking About Using a Different Substrate

[Hugh Mann]

I was using Caribsea Crushed Coral, I liked the look, small enough nassarius could burrow through it. I removed it all to treat the tank with copper, and am getting ready to replace it. However I am thinking about making the switch to something different while I have the opportunity.

Some sort of sand I was thinking, perhaps Hawaiian black sand.

Anyone have recommendations for a good substrate, sand, crushed Coral, other? Other things to take into account aside from looks, Ph buffering, better for sand sifters, fish habitats, that sort of thing.

 

[Hendrix]

The only caution with sand is that it can be easily stirred up and aggressively wear out pumps and filters.

I've gone to bare bottom. I do like the look of sand. Black looks good when you have a new tank with white rock. When the sand is dark and the rock is dark, it's less appealing to me.

I think the BRS boys used some black plastic on the bottom of their cubes.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Good to know, hadn't thought about it getting stirred up. Since equipment is rediculously expensive, I'd rather not have that damaged long term if it can be avoided.

 

[BigHildy53]

I have a 6' 180g DT with a sand bottom. My sand doesn't get stirred up unless I am cleaning the sand; in which case I turn the pumps off. I haven't had any difficulty, or concern, with sand getting into pumps.