What substrate do you use and why?

[irishindoexpat]

I wanted to get a better understanding of what substrate is being used for reef tanks and why you use that particular substrate.... i am about to begin my 300 gallon and of course i will not be making the same rookie errors as i did on my first tank.

[Froggy]

I use special grade reef sand in my 120 for a shallow bed. It is small enough grain size to look good, large enough to stay in place in the flow, for the most part. It is also easy to siphon and keep clean during water changes. The sand stays in the tank when siphoning and only the detritus comes out.

- Joe

[cham]

Glass

Because it's easier to export and control waste and I like the look of a bottom covered in zoo's and LPS

[a.browning]

I would go with a reef grade sand. If you go with oolitic sand, it will likely get blown around by your powerheads. Some people make it work though. Just whatever you do, do not get crushed coral as a substrate. Although I'd be surprised if stores even sold that stuff anymore. I personally use Tropic Eden Reef Flakes. It is the whitest, cleanest sand I've ever used. Highly recommended! The Caribsea special grade reef is also a popular choice for sure.

[Chihuahua6]

Originally Posted by Froggy

I use special grade reef sand in my 120 for a shallow bed. It is small enough grain size to look good, large enough to stay in place in the flow, for the most part. It is also easy to siphon and keep clean during water changes. The sand stays in the tank when siphoning and only the detritus comes out.

- Joe

+1 for special grade

[Drae]

Tropic eden reef flakes in various sizes and seaflor special grade. Tops.

[blue98ls1]

Aragonite, after having a BB for awhile. It's large enough grains don't blow around too much, yet small enough for my frags and livestock to appreciate it.

[JAustin]

Shallow crushed coral. Corals can grow and attach to it and it won't blow around. Also easy to clean while doing water changes an it gets coralline algae on it.

[ReddyW]

Originally Posted by a.browning

Just whatever you do, do not get crushed coral as a substrate. Although I'd be surprised if stores even sold that stuff anymore.

Ha! That's all my LFS sells! He has tons of it. Talked me out of sand and into crushed coral. I hate 'em for that. Just changed it out a couple of weeks ago for the special grade reef sand. Much better.

I wish I had gone a with finer sand, but I'd probably be *****ing about sand storms now.

[Yedgy]

I highly recommend any of the Tropic Eden substrates--beautiful, natural looking, and very, very clean. I use Grand Select because the larger grain size stands up well against the very high flow in my tank. It's approximately the same size as "crushed coral" but without its drawbacks.

[reeferstace]

Another vote for CaribSea SeaFlor Special Grade for the reasons already mentioned.

[irishindoexpat]

Thanks for the replies guys...much appreciated.

[downbeach]

If you believe in the principals set forth in this article:

http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

This would be the "appropriate" sized grains:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...21&pcatid=7321

[Mark SF]

Originally Posted by downbeach

If you believe in the principals set forth in this article:

http://www.ronshimek.com/deep_sand_beds.html

This would be the "appropriate" sized grains:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...21&pcatid=7321

That was an excellent read. I can't imagine using a sand bed any other way, except possibly when using a ZeoVit type approach to tank maintenance.

Thanks for the info. I want to say I read that article about 10 years ago back in high school when I was running a 90G Reef. It is articles like this that help me better understand why my beautiful tank finally hit a wall. It was as if my tank was slowly on decline and I couldn't bring it back. I finally called it quits when college was around the corner but now I'm back.

It always helps to gain more perspective about all the different and successful methods of maintaing a healthy aquarium.

Mark

[worm5406]

I like this:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...id=16764&r=816

I like the CaribSea Original Substrate... Much better. I had my LFS order it for me as to not pay almost double the price just for shipping... hahaha

Original Grade Substrate:


Fine Oolite Substrate

[downbeach]

Two of the 40# bags of this from F&S gets you free shipping.

[worm5406]

Originally Posted by downbeach

Two of the 40# bags of this from F&S gets you free shipping.

But is it??

BRS has it cheaper.. but you end up paying for it in shipping.

[jschultzbass]

Anything over $49 at F&S is free shipping weight doesn't matter.

[Reefin' Dude]

FSB-Faux Sand Bed.

G~

[gbru316]

NSB

(no sand bed)

[aandfsoccr04]

I use a combination of tropic eden reef flakes and mini flakes. About 3 parts reef flakes to 1 part mini flakes. I had sugar fine sand before and it was the biggest mistake I've made in this hobby to date over the past two years. It blew all over and covered up corals and killed them.

[vansk8r]

I would do 1/3 crushed coral and 2/3 arognite
crushed coral keeps your ph in tack

[Pufferfood]

Tropic Eden Aragasnow for me. Wonderful sand and I think the sand hermits appreciate it. My MP40 luckily does not blow it around, the sand has been moved around though forming small hills around the tank.

I might start siphoning it out with water changes in a year+ or so, to use the glass bottom to make a carpet of zoas and such.

[worm5406]

I have had the best luck with the Original Grade Substrate. Snails and stuff can get moving in it.

I put the oolite in my sump. Slow flow so it will not go everywhere.

[Paul B]

I use dolomite gravel because it works with my under gravel filter.