This sand any good?

gemini9 · May 20, 2014

Going to switch my crushed coral for sand. Not sure what to go with as I'm new. Is this special grade sand any good? I don't want to make any sand storms in my tank or otherwise do anything stupid. Is the special grade ok or is it too thick/grainy? I have come to find out that many fish and snails aren't compatible with crushed coral and that really sucks. it's a 30 gallon tank. I'm going to get maybe 20 pounds and possibly mix it with my crushed coral so I won't have to buy so much of it.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/special-grade-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-1.html

Pete polyp · May 20, 2014

Its too heavy, almost like your crushed coral. You want the medium grade.

badfinger · May 20, 2014

I think its great. Looks great and doesnt create sand storms. I have ised it in my past 2 tanks, and would never use anything else. In a 4 foot 150 fallon. I have 2 mp40s, 1 wp25, and dc6000 as a return. So quite a bit of flow and sand barely moves

gemini9 · May 20, 2014

So, more like this? Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand - Bulk Reef Supply

Not so sure I like the "pink" coloring of it tho... It's not very macho to have pink sand lol

Pife · May 20, 2014

I use it and it doesn't blow around much. If you are looking at that size of sand I would go with reef flakes.

gemini9 · May 20, 2014

I just want something compatible with sand dwelling snails and gobies thats easily managed by beginners

Pete polyp · May 20, 2014

The Fiji pink is some.wicked nice sand

gemini9 · May 21, 2014

Might give it a try then.

gemini9 · May 21, 2014

Isnt there good bacteria living in my crushed coral by now?

Pete polyp · May 21, 2014

Some aerobic bacteria maybe, these help with ammonia and nitrite. More than likely no anaerobic that would help with nitrate.

gemini9 · May 21, 2014

I got a pm from someone saying to remove my biowheels and pad filters

Jimbo662 · May 21, 2014

I used the special grade in my new system and love it. doesn't blow around at all and I really like the look of it.

gemini9 · May 21, 2014

How large are the grains? Compatible with stars, gobies and snails?

biomek · May 21, 2014

i just switched my crushed coral out in my 225g last week with this exact same stuff and love it! This seems like half of the size of the CaribeSea crushed coral i had previously.

Pete polyp · May 21, 2014

I never used the bio wheel in my.hob. I actually change out the filter pad when it starts to get so stopped up it overflows. But, my system is way different than yours is. Changing out the pad every couple weeks (or washing it out in hot water) and changing the carbon is a good idea.

gemini9 · May 21, 2014

I'm a guy who likes to vacuum and siphon. with my crushed coral, I dig that suction hose deeeeeep into the crushed coral to suck out all the nasties. I will probably have a irresistable impulse to do the same with the sand. I will also be mixing my crushed coral with the sand so I don't have to buy as much and will also allow sand dwelling creatures a chance to dig. I may mix it as 60% sand 40% cc. SO, that being said, should I get the medium grade sand or heavier special grade sand? I don't want to end up sucking up all my sand through the hose when I clean, or causing a sand storm by stirring my stuff around all the time. I have trouble keeping my hands out of my tank LOL. Moving rocks, playing with crabs, looking for crabs.... moving shells, spot feeding, moving powerhead, rearranging live rock, etc.

Pete polyp · May 21, 2014

If you go with a 4" sand bed and vacuum it you will have problems. All the action takes place around 2" and deeper. Disturbing this can cause serious problems.