Black sand fears.

[Gary S]

Hey guys, I've had a tank that's been stripped out for the last few months when I was jobless, but now that I've got income, I want to re-decorate. I've heard mixed results about black sand, but wanted to hear from those who have used and experienced it.

What are the common problems with this variety of sand (and ways to circumvent said issues) and are there any benifiets besides looking cool?

 

[saintsreturn]

I have it in my tank (Build thread below) and it came out of the same tank that ran for a couple years. No issues with the sand, love the look and how it makes the rock/corals all stand out. I feel the same about it as i do the white sand i ran for years. Only issue i know of is when the fish move it around it stands out against the rock. Not sure why anyone would have an issue with it.

 

[Gary S]

I have it in my tank (Build thread below) and it came out of the same tank that ran for a couple years. No issues with the sand, love the look and how it makes the rock/corals all stand out. I feel the same about it as i do the white sand i ran for years. Only issue i know of is when the fish move it around it stands out against the rock. Not sure why anyone would have an issue with it.

Thanks for your reply! Some say it contains contaminants that slow growth, and wear the rotors in water pumps. But it's all hit and miss results.

 

[saintsreturn]

Thanks for your reply! Some say it contains contaminants that slow growth, and wear the rotors in water pumps. But it's all hit and miss results.

Well, for me, i have to disagree with the growth aspect. I have had great success and the tank did before i broke it down as well. Its good stuff. As far as wear on the rotors.... im lost. Dont blow the stand around in the tank and it will be fine. Any motor will wear with sand in it constantly, but i have MP10s placed in a way that gets great water movement and flow without moving my sand around.

 

[Gary S]

Well, for me, i have to disagree with the growth aspect. I have had great success and the tank did before i broke it down as well. Its good stuff. As far as wear on the rotors.... im lost. Dont blow the stand around in the tank and it will be fine. Any motor will wear with sand in it constantly, but i have MP10s placed in a way that gets great water movement and flow without moving my sand around.

Thanks again!

 

[Dual40IM]

The only thing I really noticed is that it scratches the glass a lot easier so be careful when cleaning.

 

[Gary S]

The only thing I really noticed is that it scratches the glass a lot easier so be careful when cleaning.

I'll be certain to be mindful of that! Appreciate your input!

 

[Daniel91]

Same - running Black Sand On my 7th month. Looks great, no problems but it does seem to catch on to my magfloat from time to time.

 

[Waters]

I had it in my wife's seahorse tank without any issues at all.

 

[flchamp89]

Ive used it and liked the look. Certain types/brands can stick on Mag cleaners. Just be careful.

 

[Stanzo13]

I bought black live sand that ended up containing tons of metals, actually removed hand fulls with a magnet....