Whicn sand is the best?

[VelasCorals]

I can't stand the BB anymore so I would like to add a shallow sand bed (1-2â€) to my 60 gallon cube. I will have two Vortech MP10's so nothing to fine. What is the best stuff to buy online?

I was thinking about buying:

Tropic Eden Reeflakes Aragonite Sand 30lb X 2 for a total of 60lbs.

What do you think?

 

[Troylee]

I like the caribsea special grade sea floor my self but I'm seeing plenty of people recommending the Eden I have never saw it myself and wandering if I should use it on my new build... If someone could post a pic of that stuff I would love to see it... Sorry for the half jack lol...

 

[Monroereef]

I don't like the very fine sand. Well, I also have very little in my 150G. If I were to go deeper, I would go with a thicker grain.

 

[Wy Renegade]

Personally, I would add the dry aragonite sand, rinse it well, and allow your live rock to seed it or seed it with sand from another tank.

 

[_Alex_]

special grade sea floor i like alot and is light enough for sifters and heavy enough not to get tossed around.

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

I use the dry "Reef-Grade" aragonite from Carribsea on all my tanks, perfect size for vacuuming.

 

[xgame2k]

Esv.

 

[butts182]

the caribsea special grade is some nice stuff...i used it on my last take, now i have the fiji pink fine...it isvery nice.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

I've used Carib Sea and Tropic Eden in large quanties (pallets) in my greenhouses...looked at the chemical assays; they are similar enough. Shipping costs from your nearest dealer(s) will likely be the real determining factor.

As for grain size, the larger you go and the deeper you go, the more flow and maintenance to the bed will be required. Under 2mm grains and under 1" high will be very low maint. and give you the fastest rate of disolutiuon (another benefit of finer grains)

If its just for aesthetics and you are willing to gravel siphon literally if needed, then you can go as coarse as you like.

 

[lowbudget]

i cant stand the sand. hehehe

 

[VelasCorals]

I've used Carib Sea and Tropic Eden in large quanties (pallets) in my greenhouses...looked at the chemical assays; they are similar enough. Shipping costs from your nearest dealer(s) will likely be the real determining factor.

As for grain size, the larger you go and the deeper you go, the more flow and maintenance to the bed will be required. Under 2mm grains and under 1" high will be very low maint. and give you the fastest rate of disolutiuon (another benefit of finer grains)

If its just for aesthetics and you are willing to gravel siphon literally if needed, then you can go as coarse as you like.

Now I have more questions.

If I'm going with a 1-2" sand bed then how many pounds would I need for a 24x24x24 size tank?

Should I go no bigger than 2mm if I have a sand bed of 1-2"?

Will the Vortechs blow the 2mm sand easily?

 

[Captain Nemo]

I use carib-sea sand in my tank and I love it. I did however go with the finer grain size

 

[Maximus]

I'd go no higher than 2". The less you go with, the easier it is to siphon the detritus out of it. Coincidentally, I just ordered 60lbs of Tropic Eden Reeflakes for my bb tank. I am shooting for a 1" sand bed. Here is a sand calculator: Sand Bed

 

[VelasCorals]

I'd go no higher than 2". The less you go with, the easier it is to siphon the detritus out of it. Coincidentally, I just ordered 60lbs of Tropic Eden Reeflakes for my bb tank. I am shooting for a 1" sand bed. Here is a sand calculator: Sand Bed

Thanks! I only need about 30 lbs then. 1" should be fine to cover up the ugly glass.