Substrate

[Newtothis]

New to salt water and was wondering if anyone has used large (1") crushed live rock or gravel as a substrate. And if so, what was the results of it

 

[Peace River]

#WelcometoR2R!!! You may find this article (and all of the links at the bottom) helpful:

Reef2Reef FAQ #1: Substrates

A beginner FAQ on substrates for the saltwater aquarium.

www.reef2reef.com

Personally I would lean away from large substrate because it is easy for it to trap waste and hard to keep clean. Good luck on your adventure!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Large pieces generally used in calcium reactors, not to say it cant be done. Decades ago, Dolomite was used with were larger grain substrate

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi and welcome,

The larger stuff does not make a great base to build upon. Also not great for sand dwelling creatures obviously. Harder to clean with a vacuum.

My smaller 60 has Florida beach ocean sand with lots of crushed shells and small pebbles. I think that would be about the biggest I would want to go.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Welcome!!! Large substrate means a lot of fish poop and debris finding its way down and in between it. Good luck though. Send pics!

Welcome

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

Hello, everybody!
I’m new here, and also into reef tanks.
I'm setting up my first marine aquarium (a 125L/33gal cube) and I was in doubt about the substrate.
What experiences have you had, or what can you say about Marco Rocks Bahama Aragonite substrates and Reeflowers Pearl White Sand?
Thanks in advance!
Regards

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Welcome to reef2reef!!!!! Have you already purchased the sand you are speaking about?

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

Welcome to reef2reef!!!!! Have you already purchased the sand you are speaking about?

Thanks!
Not yet, I’m taking pros and cons about them, Reeflowers is winning so far…

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Are either of the two mentioned substrates “live sand”?

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

ReeFlowers Pearl White Sand is a natural, pure white sand specifically produced for aquariums. It containing 99% calcium carbonate, has no synthetic components, heavy metal or toxic substances, and is not chemically treated. https://reeflowers.com/urunler/duzenleyici-ve-temizleyiciler/gravels/PWS7K1?lang=en
Aragonite is a carbonate mineral, one of the two most common, naturally occurring, crystal forms of calcium carbonate, CaCO3 (the other forms being the minerals calcite and vaterite). It is formed by biological and physical processes, including precipitation from marine and freshwater environments. http://www.marcorocks.com/products/bahama-argonite-sand/

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Personally, I like a head start and a long term confidence when starting tanks. Live sand really does that for me. As well as at least some live rock. Those two and Dr. Tims and you should have sure success starting up your tank. A cycle that should only last a few days. But dead sand and rock. You’ll might face issues that you wouldn’t with starting out live.

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

Thank you very much. I’m going with rocks from Marco Rocks: http://www.marcorocks.com/products/shelf-rock/

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

Hello, guys.

What about Ocean Direct Caribbean Live Sand?

Tks!

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

And Aquaforest Bio Sand?

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

Sooo... I've made up my mind. #lol
I'm going with Marco Rocks!

 

[Brazilian Reefer]

Sooo... I've made up my mind. #lol
I'm going with Marco Rocks!

NOW I've made up my mind... ;Woot
I will use CaribSea Ocean Direct Caribbean Live Sand!