Sand Questions

[craigdon]

I'm starting a new tank and really like the look of a sand bed.  I'm curious which type people recommend to use or which ones I should stay away from and why.

It's probably going to be about 2 inches deep.

Any stores(local or online, I'm in MD) that have the best deals?  

 

Thanks for any input!

[Rosco's Reefs]

I use Aragonite Special Grade Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand.  It is usually about 35-40 locally for a 20 lb bag, cheaper online but shipping can kill you.  There is a Bulk Reef Supply group buy starting soon I believe.  

[Shoelace]

I second the special grade. I personally dislike sugar fine sand since it blows around so easily.

[John Ford]

I agree with the Aragonite I just don't buy into the live stuff. I'd get dry sand and get a cup of sand from someone here or a lfs. Just my opinion

[jacobB89]

I am thinking about using that sand as well for my tank or at least a sand of that size I have the pink whatever now in my biocube if i do anything it blows everywhere. just not sure how much i want to get for a 180 gallon. need to figure what bottom fish I want I guess and go from there.

[jacobB89]

its on sale at drfosters cheaper then anywhere else I have seen.

[craigdon]

So if I understand this right , Special grade is the size of the grains? Will this work well for gobies and wrasses? I haven't decided on a fish list, but I think I would like to add one or both of those type fish.

[Rosco's Reefs]

So if I understand this right , Special grade is the size of the grains? Will this work well for gobies and wrasses? I haven't decided on a fish list, but I think I would like to add one or both of those type fish.

 

yes, this grade is a little larger.  You saw reference also in this thread to something called sugar-fine.  BRS has pictures so you can compare.

[gmerek2]

I reccomend less than one inch or more than 4 true inches. Between 1-4 inches it will just be a detritus trap. More than 4 inches you will get the special bacteria with the deep sand bed that will lower nitrates but I don't like the look of a true deep sand bed. Less than 1 inch the animals will stir it enough to release the poop. This is all highly debateAble so if you like 2 inches go for it. I like the bigger grain as others have said.

[craigdon]

I reccomend less than one inch or more than 4 true inches. Between 1-4 inches it will just be a detritus trap. More than 4 inches you will get the special bacteria with the deep sand bed that will lower nitrates but I don't like the look of a true deep sand bed. Less than 1 inch the animals will stir it enough to release the poop. This is all highly debateAble so if you like 2 inches go for it. I like the bigger grain as others have said.

Do you think that less then one inch suitable for burrowing fish?

[monkiboy]

Do you think that less then one inch suitable for burrowing fish?

you typically want 2-4" for burrowing fish

[Coral Hind]

Wrasses can do ok in 1" if small but they would be much happier in something deeper as monkiboy said.
 
I think gobies and wrasses really prefer different types of substrate. The goby likes it course so it can form dens/tunnels that don't collapse and wrasses prefer fine sand so they can dive in or wiggle into easier.

[jacobB89]

I plan to get a jaw fish would the special grade work well for them? or should i mix some sand and special grade.

[wangspeed]

Special grade sized sand works fine for me with my Melanarus wrasse.  Working on a jawfish too.  I prefer this stuff though:

 

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/TE-TE03616R30.html

 

You can get it from Petland, Incredible Corals, or order it online.  I'm able to really crank up the powerheads and not blow this stuff all over the place, which is great.

[craigdon]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I'm definitely going with the special grade, and probably at a one to two inch depth.