What's your favorite reef sand and why?

[Glenner’sreef]

Small! Carib Sea live! This white sand POPS!

 

[IamChrismWard]

Special Grade from Carib Sea

 

[Anchor]

I have been using Special grade in all of my tanks and one with a small layer of Crushed coral .. that even after vacuuming the sand ends up on top after a couple days. I like the look and the crushed coral will take on that purple.. most of my rockwork is covered with something in that tank and that little bit of purple is kind of nice without sucking up all my calcium.

 

[prospervandale]

i just mix a whole bunch of different bags… anything smaller than crushed coral. It looks inconsistent but i think its more realistic for the fish and inverts

 

[smiley28]

Tropic eden reef flakes mixes with meso flakes
I just like a little bit of meso mixed in for a smoother look that won’t blow away.

 

[Sunny in Miami]

Happy Tuesday!

Today let's talk about reef sand and more specifically the brands and consistency of the substrates! Let's go!

1. What brand of sand do you prefer to use as the substrate of your reef tank?

2. Do you prefer a small, medium or large grain size of sand and why?

The sand I used for my 29 gallon is the Aragalive but small grain. I specifically wanted small grain because it is better for sandsifters. The depth is about two inches.

 

[Alex Cataldo]

Honestly I like sand a lot, but bare bottom tanks are just so much easier to clean. Less hassle when doing water changes.

 

[Peppe]

Hi guys, do you prefer caribsea or nature’s ocean? Why?

 

[Laith]

Medium to allow for strong flow without blowing everywhere while still providing a sand size good for critters.

 

[jhuntstl]

Fairly new tank started with live Fiji Pink. I loved the look, but I was waking up every other day to my rocks and coral covered in sand. High flow was a factor, but I think my Lawnmower Blenny was causing most of the trouble.

I siphoned it all out and switched to Special Grade dry. Keeping it pretty shallow at an inch or less. Blenny is still moving it, but it's not causing sand storms. I'm much happier.

 

[liverock]