Black sand?

[Kehy]

I knew there's been some discussion on whether or not saltwater- specific black sand is actually OK for a reef tank, but what about a more generic black sand? I'm talking Petco's cheapest, inert, fine black sand. It feels decently silky, but not so fine that it can't settle quickly after being disturbed.

I'm looking at using it in a 2.5 gallon, ~3/4" layer. Possibly a reef only tank, with no fish planned.

Compaction seems like it might be an issue, but with enough snails or sand- sifting beings it seems perfectly reasonable to overcome. Any other issues I should consider?

 

[revhtree]

I've read and it's been discussed here that some black sand can be somewhat magnetized and cause scratches to the glass when it sticks to things.

 

[corosato]

so I had the hawaiian black sand in my first saltwater tank when I got back into the hobby. it looked great for about a week and then if you think diatoms look ugly on white sand.......

 

[blecki]

I tore down and rebuilt my 25 gallon lagoon and when I did I went with black sand. It's a no fish coral only tank and it looks amazing. The colors really pop against black. Can't wait until it fills out.

 

[Ks4726]

I knew there's been some discussion on whether or not saltwater- specific black sand is actually OK for a reef tank, but what about a more generic black sand? I'm talking Petco's cheapest, inert, fine black sand. It feels decently silky, but not so fine that it can't settle quickly after being disturbed.

I'm looking at using it in a 2.5 gallon, ~3/4" layer. Possibly a reef only tank, with no fish planned.

Compaction seems like it might be an issue, but with enough snails or sand- sifting beings it seems perfectly reasonable to overcome. Any other issues I should consider?

Petsmart special, its been 2 years. No issues but detritus that sits on top sticks out like a sore thumb. I use to gyres in that tank though to help.

 

[stE25wy14]

a 2.5 gal may be pretty difficult for coral
but I would love to see black sand in a tank!!

 

[edsbeaker]

I really like the look of black sand but have been scared off by the possibility of some pieces that can be picked up by the glass cleaning magnet and scratching the tank. If this wasn’t an issue I would use it.

 

[Kehy]

a 2.5 gal may be pretty difficult for coral
but I would love to see black sand in a tank!!

It would be my second largest reef tank ever. I've gone as much as 3 gallons, while my smallest was a 1l windowsill jar. Did great until gravity struck

 

[Kehy]

Petsmart special, its been 2 years. No issues but detritus that sits on top sticks out like a sore thumb. I use to gyres in that tank though to help.

See, that's why I don't like black sand for freshwater tanks, but for those dark brown sand is an option that looks fantastic. If you can find the good stuff.

At the same time I don't love the white sand look- and if the detritus stands out that much, maybe it force me to do more water changes lol.

 

[eggie]

Not a good idea IMO

 

[Tamberav]

I once collected freshwater beach sand from superior and used it in a reef tank for 10 years. :) looked really nice tbh. The brown beach sand doesn’t show debris and it’s so fine not much even sinks into it.

I ofc don’t recommend it regardless

 

[Kehy]

Not a good idea IMO

Why? Do you just think it's ugly or do you have actual reasons for it?

 

[eggie]

Why? Do you just think it's ugly or do you have actual reasons for it?

Some black sand are nome to have heavy metals and in my opinion having black sand with black background wont give you a good contrast of the tank.

 

[Kehy]

Some black sand are nome to have heavy metals and in my opinion having black sand with black background wont give you a good contrast of the tank.

I said nothing about a background- I don't use them. The sand I'm intending to use is reused from a freshwater shrimp tank, but dried and the non-sand bits sifted out. If it was safe for shrimp, I'm willing to chance inexpensive coral on it.

I'll also be adding macroalgae, probably first to deal with any leftover nutrients

 

[Tahoe61]

Black sand is fine in aquariums or else I am I big trouble. Seriously I am using it in a nano and have before without issue.

 

[jermzisurmom]

a 2.5 gal may be pretty difficult for coral
but I would love to see black sand in a tank!!

 

[Barncat]

I'd absolutely use black sand if I could afford it for my own upgrade tank... but alas, there's no cheap black sand to be had here. I've only ever seen 5 lb bags of black sand at Petsmart and other stores here in BC... and I got a 125 gallon tank to fill.