Tropic Eden reeflake/mesoflake debate. Help me pick!

Daniel@R2R · Sep 11, 2016

So, those who know me, know that I overthink almost EVERY decision. Well, I keep staring at the Premium Aquatics site trying to decide whether I should get Reefflakes or Mesoflakes. Is 0.3 mm worth the extra $8 / lb.? (I don't mind paying it if it's really worth it.) Is there any other difference between them? Can anyone help me decide?

Daniel@R2R · Sep 11, 2016

@Mike&Terry or anyone else who has experience with Tropic Eden's substrates?

bknapp · Sep 11, 2016

I've got a mixture of the two. I used three bags total, two Reef Flakes and one Meso. I think the mixture looks good. I can try and get a pic if you're interested.

Mike&Terry · Sep 11, 2016

We used a mix of Reef Flakes and Mini Flakes and are happy with the mix. Haven't tried the Meso.

Mike_J · Sep 11, 2016

I'd be interested in pics if anyone is willing. I am also going with Tropic Eden substrate for a fresh start when I move my reef tank in a couple of weeks and am unsure of what size as of yet. I'm also interested in feedback on how the different sizes of TE affect sand burrowing wrasses, if there is an impact at all.

Thanks for letting me join in on the convo. I hope it's alright. If not, just ignore me, lol.

cilyjr · Sep 11, 2016

I use a mix of them I switched because the bigger more powerful power heads move the fine stuff. The tropic eden is good for staying put. I've had it for about a year now.

We're I to do it again I'd probably just get all meso Flake to save the 10 bucks a bag

cromag27 · Sep 11, 2016

I'm in the same boat for a new build I'm doing. was going to use reefflakes then I saw the miso and it piqued my curiosity.

DanConnor · Sep 11, 2016

I used straight meso flakes in my 200, and am very happy with it. It's pretty coarse; any bigger and its going to seem like gravel. 3 bags gave me a nice depth.

cromag27 · Sep 11, 2016

That's interesting because it's supposed to be 2.7mm which is smaller than reefflakes, and I wouldn't consider reefflakes to be close to gravel.

Come to think of it, someone recently posted that their bag of meso actually said 3.5mm. hope.

DanConnor said:
I used straight meso flakes in my 200, and am very happy with it. It's pretty coarse; any bigger and its going to seem like gravel. 3 bags gave me a nice depth.

ksfulk · Sep 11, 2016

Ive used miniflakes, reefflakes and now mesoflakes. I like the meso, as its big enough to not blow around with the flow cranked up, but still thin enough to let my wrasses dive into it. Premiumaquatics used to have a sampler pack for like $3 (I dont see it on the site now though) where you could get small (1oz or so) of all of the different grades of sand to compare them. Might be worth an email to see if they have them still. Anyhow, I found that the miniflakes blew around quite a bit, I dont have those issues with the mesoflakes so far - and I have the WAVs set at 60% on Mavericks. Here's some pictures of the grain size compared with the derasa that I have in there (about 2.5" across). I used 60lbs in my 525xL.

DeeBee · Sep 11, 2016

I don't know if this helps but here is a pic of the Mesoflakes (right) next to a sample of Reef Flakes (left). I honestly couldn't tell much difference in size so I don't know if my batch of Meso was off or what - but that's certainly what the bag was labeled.

revhtree · Sep 12, 2016

Mike&Terry said:
We used a mix of Reef Flakes and Mini Flakes and are happy with the mix. Haven't tried the Meso.

Do you notice any of the grain sizes settling?

cmcoker · Sep 12, 2016

Following, trying to decide the same..

MaddyP · Sep 12, 2016

I'm running 8 bags of Reefflakes in my 400G tank. The four MP60's move it around but doesn't lift it into the water column. I also have it in my 40G with 2 MP10's running 100% and it doesn't move.

Based on the pic, I wouldn't say an extra $8 a bag would add enough benefit.

tqpolo · Sep 13, 2016

I had the same dilemma when I was buying a few weeks ago. Reefflake seems more popular but could be Meso is new? I thought Reefflake was a bit too big and wanted smaller. I didn't even know about Meso. I saw it and it's perfect. Slightly smaller and even cheaper.

Mike&Terry · Sep 13, 2016

revhtree said:
Do you notice any of the grain sizes settling?

We used the Mini Flakes in the middle of the tank and then covered with Reef Flakes. The Mini Flakes would blow around and end up in the water column otherwise. Not really noticing the larger Reef Flakes settling under the Mini's if that's what you are asking.

revhtree · Sep 14, 2016

Mike&Terry said:
We used the Mini Flakes in the middle of the tank and then covered with Reef Flakes. The Mini Flakes would blow around and end up in the water column otherwise. Not really noticing the larger Reef Flakes settling under the Mini's if that's what you are asking.

Thanks and yes that's why I was asking!

Midrats · Sep 14, 2016

Reefflakes here. Not too big. Not too small. Just right. It moved around a little and very occasionally got lifted by a low-mounted Tunze but now that it's been in there a while it stays put. I like it better than Caribsea. It is whiter and more evenly graded.

Daniel@R2R · Sep 14, 2016

I couldn't decide, so I bought a bag of each. LOL #chronicallyindecisive #1ofeachplease

Sir Chris · Sep 15, 2016

Pink Figi is all I use and love it. 3 inches deep and is full of an active ecosystem. All I do is slightly stir the top and such. Never suction it. Only when I do a water change I'll give it a heavy stir and suck up the dead spots. Other then that it's clean and my mandarin loves all the food