Substrate

carlos_fb · 11/11/2006, 04:05 PM

I will be adding water to my first reef soon and I wanted to know which is the best substrate for a shallow sand bed (2" only for looks). I really like the color of the Fiji Pink but I noticed that it comes in several diameter grain sizes.

Any suggestions?

Bebo77 · 11/11/2006, 11:12 PM

its really up to you.. some sand sifters do a better job with sugar grain sized sand..

demonsp · 11/12/2006, 12:29 AM

I used florida reef live sand.With right sifters it stays nice and white.Looks clean i think.Pic in gallery

carlos_fb · 11/12/2006, 01:17 PM

bump

carlos_fb · 11/14/2006, 12:45 AM

anybody?

bertoni · 11/14/2006, 01:48 AM

The coarser substrates can be hard to keep clean because of the pore space. Can you post a link to the substrates you're considering?

carlos_fb · 11/14/2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
The coarser substrates can be hard to keep clean because of the pore space. Can you post a link to the substrates you're considering?

I was thinking on getting Arag-Alive Fiji Pink.

bertoni · 11/14/2006, 04:41 PM

The Arag-Alive sand is a bit more expensive, and it's not particularly live. I'd go with the plain variety, if that would save some money. I think that sand is a bit coarse, but probably okay.

carlos_fb · 11/14/2006, 07:47 PM

so should I get it sugar grain sized?

cgjw2000 · 11/14/2006, 08:57 PM

I have a combination of grain sizes and pink colors in it and it looks great...

carlos_fb · 11/15/2006, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cgjw2000
I have a combination of grain sizes and pink colors in it and it looks great...

do you have any pictures?

bertoni · 11/15/2006, 02:37 PM

The coarser grains might lead to a bit more maintenance, but if you like the look, you could try it.

carlos_fb · 11/15/2006, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
The coarser grains might lead to a bit more maintenance, but if you like the look, you could try it.

isn't coarser easier to clean too?

bertoni · 11/15/2006, 05:42 PM

I don't clean my sand at all. That doesn't work well with CC for most people.

demonsp · 11/15/2006, 05:43 PM

Coarser sand and crushed coral can trap nitrates.

demonsp · 11/15/2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
I don't clean my sand at all. That doesn't work well with CC for most people.

To help keep nitrates down in the long run you can blow the crushed coral with a turkey baster before water change. I would not do large areas but if done regularly can be very benifecial.

carlos_fb · 11/15/2006, 06:57 PM

so sugar sized is not good?

11/11/2006, 04:05 PM	#1
carlos_fb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 879	Substrate I will be adding water to my first reef soon and I wanted to know which is the best substrate for a shallow sand bed (2" only for looks). I really like the color of the Fiji Pink but I noticed that it comes in several diameter grain sizes. Any suggestions?

11/11/2006, 11:12 PM	#2
Bebo77 Premium Nonpaying Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lost Posts: 14,377	its really up to you.. some sand sifters do a better job with sugar grain sized sand.. __________________ Gabriel Current Tank Info: 300 Gal Envision Tank(98Lx30Wx26T) 120 Gal SoCalCreations Sump, Deltec TC2560, 2 LumenarcsMini 1 Reg on a light mover W Radiums 250& 400, Gallaxy ballasts, Red Dragon 10m3 return W/ 2 WavySeas, 2 6155 Tunze streams

11/14/2006, 01:48 AM	#6
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The coarser substrates can be hard to keep clean because of the pore space. Can you post a link to the substrates you're considering? __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

11/14/2006, 04:41 PM	#8
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The Arag-Alive sand is a bit more expensive, and it's not particularly live. I'd go with the plain variety, if that would save some money. I think that sand is a bit coarse, but probably okay. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

11/15/2006, 02:37 PM	#12
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	The coarser grains might lead to a bit more maintenance, but if you like the look, you could try it. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

11/12/2006, 12:29 AM	#3
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	I used florida reef live sand.With right sifters it stays nice and white.Looks clean i think.Pic in gallery

11/12/2006, 01:17 PM	#4
carlos_fb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 879	bump

11/14/2006, 12:45 AM	#5
carlos_fb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 879	anybody?

11/14/2006, 07:47 PM	#9
carlos_fb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 879	so should I get it sugar grain sized?

11/14/2006, 08:57 PM	#10
cgjw2000 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 60	I have a combination of grain sizes and pink colors in it and it looks great...

11/15/2006, 05:42 PM	#14
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I don't clean my sand at all. That doesn't work well with CC for most people. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

11/15/2006, 05:43 PM	#15
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Coarser sand and crushed coral can trap nitrates.

11/15/2006, 06:57 PM	#17
carlos_fb Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 879	so sugar sized is not good?