Sand recommendations?

growlf · 06/05/2009, 11:11 AM

Howdy -

I'm attempting to get back into reef aquariums after over a decade of being away. I have a ZeroEdge tank - around 90 gallons - and am finally to a point where I can start adding water, substrate, and begin the cycling process. It seems that every decision along the way has been filled with more options than I was expecting... and now the decision is sand.

(incidentally, my goal is a tank of soft corals, maybe a clown or two - nothing super complicated. I'm likely going with a shallow - ~1" sandbed)

1. I received recommendations from Premium Aquatics (a helpful group who helped me with my last tank) for the Trop Eden line of substrates - which appears to be very well reviewed. That, unfortunately, leaves me with the decision of *size* of the substrate. The Aragasnow (.5mm) looks nice, but would I be opening myself up to any issues using that? I understand it is easily stirred up, so there may be issues with powerheads (Vortech units)... but I don't know how bad it will be. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

2. Another question is - should I seed the aragonite substrate (whatever I end up putting in) with live sand to help the cycling process? Any recommendations on a good live sand? Vendors?

3. Finally (thank you for reading this far!), any recommendations for substrate in a refugium?

Thank you very much for your time,
John

Michael · 06/05/2009, 11:52 AM

medium grade aragonite for the tank, you can seed it with sand from a friend to help it along, however theres no need, it will become live on its own

i wouldnt use sand in a sump, too messy, i did look into it a fair bit, but theres litrally lots and lots of reef central members who do use sand in a sump and its usually fine grade or medium grade.

im sure more views will come along, and john nice to have you on the forum.

To Reef Central

sebrofjr · 06/05/2009, 12:05 PM

3. I would just setup chaeto in the refugium. I've been reading nothing but good things about that type of setup here (do a search and you will find tonnes of info/setups). I put Miracle mud in my refugium before I figured out all about the chaeto thing and now wished I hadn't. I'm going to put in the chaeto and see how it does with the mud in there. If it doesnt pan out I will take the mud out.

06/05/2009, 11:11 AM	#1
growlf Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 35	Sand recommendations? Howdy - I'm attempting to get back into reef aquariums after over a decade of being away. I have a ZeroEdge tank - around 90 gallons - and am finally to a point where I can start adding water, substrate, and begin the cycling process. It seems that every decision along the way has been filled with more options than I was expecting... and now the decision is sand. (incidentally, my goal is a tank of soft corals, maybe a clown or two - nothing super complicated. I'm likely going with a shallow - ~1" sandbed) 1. I received recommendations from Premium Aquatics (a helpful group who helped me with my last tank) for the Trop Eden line of substrates - which appears to be very well reviewed. That, unfortunately, leaves me with the decision of size of the substrate. The Aragasnow (.5mm) looks nice, but would I be opening myself up to any issues using that? I understand it is easily stirred up, so there may be issues with powerheads (Vortech units)... but I don't know how bad it will be. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. 2. Another question is - should I seed the aragonite substrate (whatever I end up putting in) with live sand to help the cycling process? Any recommendations on a good live sand? Vendors? 3. Finally (thank you for reading this far!), any recommendations for substrate in a refugium? Thank you very much for your time, John

06/05/2009, 11:52 AM	#2
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	medium grade aragonite for the tank, you can seed it with sand from a friend to help it along, however theres no need, it will become live on its own i wouldnt use sand in a sump, too messy, i did look into it a fair bit, but theres litrally lots and lots of reef central members who do use sand in a sump and its usually fine grade or medium grade. im sure more views will come along, and john nice to have you on the forum. *To Reef Central* __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

06/05/2009, 12:05 PM	#3
sebrofjr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Moncton, NB, Canada Posts: 228	3. I would just setup chaeto in the refugium. I've been reading nothing but good things about that type of setup here (do a search and you will find tonnes of info/setups). I put Miracle mud in my refugium before I figured out all about the chaeto thing and now wished I hadn't. I'm going to put in the chaeto and see how it does with the mud in there. If it doesnt pan out I will take the mud out.