CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 01:49 AM

Does anybody have this sand in their tanks and is willing to share pics for me. I was unable to find it locally so I will have to get it from Marine Depot, but unfortunately I can not see it beforehand. I really don't want to order the wrong stuff. Thanks, Dave
http://www.marinedepot.com/CaribSea_...SSDS-4-vi.html

catman78 · 12/31/2009, 08:05 AM

Just added a 20 lb bag over existing sugar fine aragonite. Looks great and does not blow around as much with heavy flow. My sand bed averages around 5-6 inches.

rgonzalez · 12/31/2009, 09:16 AM

The sand you are talking about is on the bottom. I added this sand to the top:

http://www.marinedepot.com/CaribSea_...FISSDS-vi.html

It was a horrible move. Last night I went ahead and removed ALL of the sand (except a few cups) and added a new bed of the Oolitic select. I have 2 Koralia 4's, and there's no whirlwinds in the tank. I like the white look of it as well.

Gary Majchrzak · 12/31/2009, 09:34 AM

CaribSea Special Grade Reef Sand

Great sand! Avoid mixing 'Special Grade' with sugar fine sand and go no deeper than 2" with it.

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catman78

Just added a 20 lb bag over existing sugar fine aragonite. Looks great and does not blow around as much with heavy flow. My sand bed averages around 5-6 inches.

Thank you for the reply. Did you mean a 15lb bag? I thought about that catman, but I want no more than 1-3" deep max. I currently have a canary wrasse who sleeps in the sand and a diamond goby who sifts it so between them it would just get mixed up again and bring the oolitic stuff to the top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgonzalez

The sand you are talking about is on the bottom. I added this sand to the top:
http://www.marinedepot.com/CaribSea_...FISSDS-vi.html
It was a horrible move. Last night I went ahead and removed ALL of the sand (except a few cups) and added a new bed of the Oolitic select. I have 2 Koralia 4's, and there's no whirlwinds in the tank. I like the white look of it as well.

Thanks for the pic rgonzalez. I have oolitic now and between the flow and the diamond goby, there is always some, way more than I want, flying around the water column, thus the move to heavier sand. It has gotten so bad that between the sand and the detritus, I have this crap all over my rocks which I plan to remove and clean this wekend befor the new sand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

CaribSea Special Grade Reef Sand

Great sand! Avoid mixing 'Special Grade' with sugar fine sand and go no deeper than 2" with it.

Thank you for the pic, Gary. That is exactly what I am looking for. Even the depth you got. Perfect. I just want one section a bit deeper for my wrasse(s) but for the most part under 1" deep. BTW, love those caps.

rgonzalez · 12/31/2009, 01:40 PM

Well definitely make the move if need be. Everyone is different

I thought it was going to be a pain to remove all the old sand and put new stuff in; but it only took about an hour. My roommates thought I was ridiculous. Ha!

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 01:44 PM

it will only be big sand, the new stuff, in after the change. I am only getting 15 lbs to start and use in 2 tupperware dishes for my wrasse and my diamond goby. I have to remove all my rock to scrub them and hopefully get rid of that crap you see in the above pic so i am planning a whole day for it. Hopefully it will be done sooner, but not counting on it.

Thanks again for all the help guys. You helped me make my decision much easier...

Toddrtrex · 12/31/2009, 02:33 PM

I have that in all 3 of my tanks, and love it.

Should give you an idea of the size of the grains,

A bunch of pods and whatnot on it,

Left side of my 58 with it,

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 02:41 PM

thanks Todd, for the pics. Very nice carpets. Looks like it will be just the right size for me. I am only getting 15 lbs to start so if it doesn't work, I can add in a bigger grain, but i think it will be ideal...

MOB1224 · 12/31/2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

CaribSea Special Grade Reef Sand

Great sand! Avoid mixing 'Special Grade' with sugar fine sand and go no deeper than 2" with it.

That tank is awsome I love the aquascape and the colors

Gary Majchrzak · 12/31/2009, 03:47 PM

it's actually MUCH better when seen in person

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 04:47 PM

Just got back from Marine Depot and it looks much smaller in person than in the tank so hopefully it will work for my situation. BTW, how "dirty" was it? Did you guys ahve to rinse it a ton? thanks, Dave

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Majchrzak

it's actually MUCH better when seen in person

I wish I could, but unfortunately no plans to go to NY for a while. But when we do, I may have to look you up...

Gary Majchrzak · 12/31/2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerReef

I wish I could, but unfortunately no plans to go to NY for a while. But when we do, I may have to look you up...

do so.

I've had melev, Sanjay and a whole lot of others over here in the past.
One suggestion: don't plan on visiting in the winter months unless you ski

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 05:46 PM

No way, it would be summer only. I will no travel back east or even midwest except summer. I hate cold weather. I may just take you up on the offer. My wife fell in love with New York 2 summers ago(she wanted to go to old Yankee Stadium) so I know we may be going that way in a summer or two.

T Man · 12/31/2009, 06:14 PM

Hey Gary.....it looks like your bare bottom is showing

I'm considering this same sand also, why no deeper than 2"? Tinman

James77 · 12/31/2009, 06:17 PM

I have no pics, but I use this sand also, about 1" or so of it. I have it covering a starboard bottom, so you still see white if the sand blows a little. Ive gone this route since I cannot stand BB or DSBs.

It blows around much less in my tank, even with high flow- 2x Tunze 6105s. About once a month or so, I blow all the sand around to release any trapped detritus and aerate it. Any more than an inch, and that would be difficult to do.

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 06:19 PM

Can't speak for Gary, but I'm thinking it's because this is probably not a good choice for a DSB, and if you are not going DSB, you should stay under 2". I personally don't like much sand so except for the deeper area for my wrasse(s) i plan to keep it under 1" elsewhere. I would go BB but the wife really hates that look...

KillerReef · 12/31/2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

I have no pics, but I use this sand also, about 1" or so of it. I have it covering a starboard bottom, so you still see white if the sand blows a little. Ive gone this route since I cannot stand BB or DSBs.

It blows around much less in my tank, even with high flow- 2x Tunze 6105s. About once a month or so, I blow all the sand around to release any trapped detritus and aerate it. Any more than an inch, and that would be difficult to do.

besides the look, this is one of my main reasons for going with a very shallow sandbed, it should be nice and easy for the diamond goby to keep clean.
Glad to hear flow is not an issue as i will have an mj1600 mod, koralia 4(1200gph) and coralvue 102b(1250gph). James, how are yours configured?

Gary Majchrzak · 12/31/2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Man

Hey Gary.....it looks like your bare bottom is showing

I'm considering this same sand also, why no deeper than 2"? Tinman

similar to James77 I blow all the sand around to release any trapped detritus.

James77 · 12/31/2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerReef

James, how are yours configured?

I have them in the corners pointed diagonally in. I use the wider 6205 shrouds, otherwise the tank is not long enough and the corner sand blows around a bit much. I have them ramping 50%-100% on a 30 second cycle.

T Man · 12/31/2009, 08:08 PM

Thanks guys, It's been six years with a DSB, the plan is BB but I am still torn between the looks, this gives me some options however. Tinman

Stripe01 · 12/31/2009, 08:18 PM

Why do you not recommend mixing it with sugar size sand?

theyammieguy · 12/31/2009, 08:23 PM

In the pics, it looks like crushed coral?

ecureefer · 12/31/2009, 11:01 PM

i think the sugar fine size looks really good im getting ready to put it in my new tank

12/31/2009, 01:49 AM	#1
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand Does anybody have this sand in their tanks and is willing to share pics for me. I was unable to find it locally so I will have to get it from Marine Depot, but unfortunately I can not see it beforehand. I really don't want to order the wrong stuff. Thanks, Dave http://www.marinedepot.com/CaribSea_...SSDS-4-vi.html __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

12/31/2009, 09:34 AM	#4
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	CaribSea Special Grade Reef Sand Great sand! Avoid mixing 'Special Grade' with sugar fine sand and go no deeper than 2" with it. __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

12/31/2009, 01:44 PM	#7
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	it will only be big sand, the new stuff, in after the change. I am only getting 15 lbs to start and use in 2 tupperware dishes for my wrasse and my diamond goby. I have to remove all my rock to scrub them and hopefully get rid of that crap you see in the above pic so i am planning a whole day for it. Hopefully it will be done sooner, but not counting on it. Thanks again for all the help guys. You helped me make my decision much easier... __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

12/31/2009, 02:33 PM	#8
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	I have that in all 3 of my tanks, and love it. Should give you an idea of the size of the grains, A bunch of pods and whatnot on it, Left side of my 58 with it, __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

12/31/2009, 02:41 PM	#9
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	thanks Todd, for the pics. Very nice carpets. Looks like it will be just the right size for me. I am only getting 15 lbs to start so if it doesn't work, I can add in a bigger grain, but i think it will be ideal... __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

12/31/2009, 08:05 AM	#2
catman78 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: LI N.Y. Posts: 765	Just added a 20 lb bag over existing sugar fine aragonite. Looks great and does not blow around as much with heavy flow. My sand bed averages around 5-6 inches.

12/31/2009, 01:40 PM	#6
rgonzalez Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Scottsdale Posts: 892	Well definitely make the move if need be. Everyone is different I thought it was going to be a pain to remove all the old sand and put new stuff in; but it only took about an hour. My roommates thought I was ridiculous. Ha!

12/31/2009, 03:47 PM	#11
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	thanks! it's actually MUCH better when seen in person __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

12/31/2009, 04:47 PM	#12
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	Just got back from Marine Depot and it looks much smaller in person than in the tank so hopefully it will work for my situation. BTW, how "dirty" was it? Did you guys ahve to rinse it a ton? thanks, Dave __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

12/31/2009, 05:46 PM	#15
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	No way, it would be summer only. I will no travel back east or even midwest except summer. I hate cold weather. I may just take you up on the offer. My wife fell in love with New York 2 summers ago(she wanted to go to old Yankee Stadium) so I know we may be going that way in a summer or two. __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

12/31/2009, 06:14 PM	#16
T Man ~PPPPPPP~ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Emerald City Posts: 1,045	Hey Gary.....it looks like your bare bottom is showing I'm considering this same sand also, why no deeper than 2"? Tinman __________________ He that can have patience can have what he will. ~ Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: click the "TzFuture" folder in my profile

12/31/2009, 06:17 PM	#17
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	I have no pics, but I use this sand also, about 1" or so of it. I have it covering a starboard bottom, so you still see white if the sand blows a little. Ive gone this route since I cannot stand BB or DSBs. It blows around much less in my tank, even with high flow- 2x Tunze 6105s. About once a month or so, I blow all the sand around to release any trapped detritus and aerate it. Any more than an inch, and that would be difficult to do. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

12/31/2009, 06:19 PM	#18
KillerReef Wrasse-a-holic Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: So Cal Posts: 2,083	Can't speak for Gary, but I'm thinking it's because this is probably not a good choice for a DSB, and if you are not going DSB, you should stay under 2". I personally don't like much sand so except for the deeper area for my wrasse(s) i plan to keep it under 1" elsewhere. I would go BB but the wife really hates that look... __________________ 80 gallon Jebo 48x18x21 Bubble Magus BM-180 Cone 110lbs Live Rock 1-2" Sandbed Mag 12 Return Pump 2 MP10s, One Left Rear, One Right front Opposite each Other 2x65w pc 03 Actinic 2 250W Lumatek w/ SE Phoenix MH about 4" above water Livestock: 10 yr. old Purple Tang, Orchid Dottyback, Melanurus Wrasse, Pink Margin Wrasse, Pair of Clowns, Bartlett Anthias, Diamond Goby, 18 yr. old Lemon Peel Angel, Blue Flasher Wrasse Mixed Reef, mostly Zoanthids

12/31/2009, 08:08 PM	#22
T Man ~PPPPPPP~ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Emerald City Posts: 1,045	Thanks guys, It's been six years with a DSB, the plan is BB but I am still torn between the looks, this gives me some options however. Tinman __________________ He that can have patience can have what he will. ~ Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: click the "TzFuture" folder in my profile

12/31/2009, 08:18 PM	#23
Stripe01 Moved On Join Date: May 2009 Location: Napa Posts: 411	Why do you not recommend mixing it with sugar size sand?

12/31/2009, 08:23 PM	#24
theyammieguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 1,691	In the pics, it looks like crushed coral? __________________ "Ya'll can go to hell, I'm going to Texas". David Crockett. 12g JBJ deluxe JBJ viper 70w, maxi jet 900, Koralia nano, two false percs, softies, LPS, and SPS, about 25# LR and 2"-3" SB. Running since 3/22/07. Soon to add sump with skimmer Click my home page for pictures. 40g breeder upgrade in progress. Planning a 60g cube FOWLR.

12/31/2009, 11:01 PM	#25
ecureefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 101	i think the sugar fine size looks really good im getting ready to put it in my new tank