TBS sand vs Miracle Mud

[SuzyKraken]

Hi reefers! I am planning my tank upgrade and wondering what is best to use in the refugium. My current system does not run a sump or refugium so transferring from one to the other is not an option. I plan to use the bio media from my HOB filter, but want to start out in the best way on the new tank.

 

[rtparty]

Completely different products.

TBS sand is ultra live ocean sand that brings a host of bacteria and biome to a system.

Miracle Mud supposedly releases trace elements as they are used in the tank.

 

[SuzyKraken]

Completely different products.

TBS sand is ultra live ocean sand that brings a host of bacteria and biome to a system.

Miracle Mud supposedly releases trace elements as they are used in the tank.

Thanks!

 

[Subsea]

Hi reefers! I am planning my tank upgrade and wondering what is best to use in the refugium. My current system does not run a sump or refugium so transferring from one to the other is not an option. I plan to use the bio media from my HOB filter, but want to start out in the best way on the new tank.

Does tank upgrade mean adding a sump/refugium to present system? Or, do you have a present system setup and wish to add a second system with a sump? Details matter.

 

[Pistondog]

Are you planning on chaeto in the refugium?. I filled my fuge with live rock and put the chaeto on top. This raised the chaeto to the surface to maximize par.

 

[Subsea]

Hi reefers! I am planning my tank upgrade and wondering what is best to use in the refugium. My current system does not run a sump or refugium so transferring from one to the other is not an option. I plan to use the bio media from my HOB filter, but want to start out in the best way on the new tank.

@SuzyKraken
Considering that you are comparing apples & oranges, I would ask you for a clarification as to your present system and what are your goals for tank upgrade.

Not knowing your experience level and details of your system, it’s difficult to recommend things.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’d personally not use miracle mud. It may release some trace elements, and some may be useful, but I’d rather have control over what is added.

I like tbs sand a lot.

 

[SuzyKraken]

Does tank upgrade mean adding a sump/refugium to present system? Or, do you have a present system setup and wish to add a second system with a sump? Details matter.

I am starting with a new setup. I am considering either a UNS R120 or a Cade 1200. My current 55 gallon is a repurposed big box store purchase and not really configured for a reef setup.

 

[SuzyKraken]

Are you planning on chaeto in the refugium?. I filled my fuge with live rock and put the chaeto on top. This raised the chaeto to the surface to maximize par.

Yes

 

[SuzyKraken]

@SuzyKraken
Considering that you are comparing apples & oranges, I would ask you for a clarification as to your present system and what are your goals for tank upgrade.

Not knowing your experience level and details of your system, it’s difficult to recommend things.

Current tank has been operational for one year. It was a gift and I started with the tank a HOB seachem filter and reef octopus skimmer. I am looking to upgrade in volume and have a better aesthetic plus better filtration. Final goal is fish and soft and lps corals.

 

[petcellar]

I have TBS live sand in my tank.

And miracle mud in my refugium.

 

[SuzyKraken]

What is your vision for the system?

With diver collected live sand and live rock, any glass enclosure with lights can be a reef tank, not necessarily an elegant display. I have very little coral in my 25 year 75G display and in my 120G display, the theme is a Caribbean lagoon with major focus on diverse filter feeders and ornamental seaweeds.

with that vision in mind, I suggest you start your system with the Package from TBS.

https://tbsaltwater.com/collections/the-package
I like Gulf Live Rock

https://gulfliverock.com/premium-deco-live-rock
https://gulfliverock.com/hitchhiker-id

Thank you for your suggestions. I have learned a lot about what does and doesn’t work for my current set up, but want to start this new tank to give it the best chance.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Thank you for your suggestions. I have learned a lot about what does and doesn’t work for my current set up, but want to start this new tank to give it the best chance.

My current setup is dry rock I assembled and aquascaped plus TBS LR and LS. I’m gradually adding critters but can highly recommend their stuff. I purchase the UPS boxes because the nearest air freight terminal is over 2 hours away. Highly recommend their stuff.