4" sandbed

[swissgaurd]

was wondering what grainsize people are using for there sanbeds

ive always used 1-2 mm grainsize
never really had any nitrate problems

now im told to use sugar grain size

maybe i could mix them togethor.

thanks
vic

 

[caudill187]

I have always read to use the 1-2mm size also, but have recently used the sugar grain size (actually added a new sandbed to my 120g with this sand) because I find it more attractive. I have had a smaller zoa/paly tank with sugar grain sand up for two years now. I haven't had any problems with either.

If the tiniest sand has any drawbacks, I would say it is blown around easily by powerheads, spunky fish, etc. I'm told it can decrease the lifespan of equipment but this doesn't seem to have been a real issue for me.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

If you mix the sand the fine grains will settle at the bottom. I always used the 1.5 to 2 size. I like the sugar sized but it gets everywhere!!

 

[swissgaurd]

apparently you will get more bacteria to colonize on the smaller particles of sand.i like the idea of mixing the sands.

also have read that not to rinse the sugarsized sand

vic

 

[melev]

I chose to use larger grain (Tropic Eden Reeflakes) specifically because I use Vortech pumps that can move water both with their ebb and their flow. I'm running a DSB.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Marc I just got me enough of the Tropic Eden reef flakes for my new tank because of all the good reviews.

 

[swissgaurd]

nice sandbed,what would be the grainsize
did the bunny help get the bacteria goin lol

 

[melev]

I don't know the grain size. Does this help? This is a thumbscrew from a calcium reactor.

 

[Raggamuffin]

I JUST added reeflakes to my new tank build, it is PERFECTLY sized for a high flow tank, I used the sugar sand (aragasnow by the same company) for a remote DSB. I have nothing but the best reveiws for this stuff, just wonderful. All the reveiws I have read have been 4 or 5 stars have not seen a lower reveiw.

 

[DaveA]

I like havine a deep sand bed (DSB), as it helps clean the water. The anaerobic bacteria live about 3" below the top. So, I have about a 6 - 8 inch sand bed. To do this, you want sugar grain size between the surface and where the anaerobic bacteria are living. Yes, there's a problem with the sand this small blowing around, so I use about half an inch of 1-2 mm on the very top. It works very well, and it helps keep the tank stable, even in emergencies (I've had power outages a couple of times).