Reef tanks using TBS sand

[mjw011689]

I’m not finding much on Google for this, but how many here have a full reef tank using TBS sand?

I’m considering it, but that’s an expensive tab for sand if it doesn’t look great under modern reef lights and spectrum. I’ve seen plenty of pics of older tanks under 10k lights, and tanks that are softie or macro tanks and stuff like that, but I’ve seen very few examples of what it would look like in a true mixed reef with the blues that most people run today. And also, almost zero examples of a long term reef tank of that type.

Im assuming one downfall would be coralline growing on it long term. And id also assume some of the sand sifters don’t do as well with it as reef special grade sand.

I love the look of white sand in a coral tank, but I’m curious as to what a modern reef tank would look like using this stuff long term. Does it take away from the color of the coral or anything?

Is there a similar option that is finer and lighter color?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I do. I’m very happy with it.

In my old tank years ago, I started with oolotic aragonite (fine white sand). Over time, it ended up looking about the same as bits and pieces of things accumulated in it.

 

[kevgib67]

I used 90 lbs in my upgrade at the beginning of the year and I love it. As for sand sifters, these two started out just under an inch and are now 2 1/2 inches long.

 

[areefer01]

I’m considering it, but that’s an expensive tab for sand if it doesn’t look great under modern reef lights and spectrum.

You do not need to fill the whole tank up with sand and rock. You can buy some to seed the sand you want to use. Same with their live rock. Buy a treasure chest or whatever you want to spend and use it to see the rest.