no sand? live sand? dry sand ?

[Ryeguy1284]

im ready to start putting water in the new tank im just up in the air about the substrat I really like black said im just having trouble findind live black sand so what do I do no sand live sand or no sand a little help

 

[Reefing Madness]

All up to you. You dont' have to use Live Sand. You don't have to use any sand. Its all up to what you want to look at in your tank.
Aquarium Substrate for Marine Aquariums: CaribSea Instant Aquarium Substrate Tahitian Moon

 

[Mike J.]

A general rule on sand is no sand, 1/2" of sand, or over 3" of sand, preferably 6". I have tanks with all of the above and IME the tank with the deep sand bed is always the cleanest and healthiest one. Sand in the 2 - 3" range will cause problems.

 

[Ryeguy1284]

im on the 3rd month of getting this tank right before I start it and I really like the look with black sand so I think im going to go with a shallow sand bed of dry sand idk

 

[CountrySideCoral]

My sand levels vary in my show tank. Some spots are 1" some are 4" just depends on my flow and what my sandsifting starfish and female clown does as she likes to kick up sand when she is mad. As far as live sand I am not a fan. I have always started with dry sand.

 

[kes]

I have both. main tank has sand, plenty of wrasses especially leopards love it (need it). frag tank has no sand, very easy to keep clean.

 

[Genesis Corals]

Some black sand is magnetic and can cause problems with a mag cleaner.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

3 inches of live sand seems to work for me.

 

[revhtree]

I like a shallow sand bed with some Tropic Eden sand.

 

[tazguy25]

I Like Beach sand although I will pay for it in the end I'm sure. So afar only Tag alongs have been Mussels & Sand Fleas in the Quarantine that I Have them in. If I don't find anything else (2 months so far) I'm going to start incorporating it into the main system.... On a Side note The baby sand fleas were a hit with the Fish!