Black Sand?

[daisy002]

I have some Estes' Brand Ultra Reef black sand. Does anyone have any like this? I love the black sand look, but this stuff is very fine. It was really cheap, and its been in its bag for a few years. It says its reef safe, but I just wanted to know if anyone else had any experience with this sand. Thanks.

 

[elkinsda]

I've used the black reef sand by Estes in a 29g a few years ago. The tank was setup with corals and fish for over 2 years.

 

[justadivebum]

I have a friend that uses it. His too is like sugar fine sand but he actually likes it because it really makes the corals "pop". Age should not be an issue on it as long as the bag is sealed.

 

[daisy002]

The bag has stayed sealed, and I went ahead and put it in last night. I put what was left of the calcium carbonate sand in the refugium and I really like how the take looks now. Here's a picture of it before the lights came on. I have school all day, but I'll post another picture when I get a chance with the lights on!

 

[greg1786]

how do you like the sand so far? I've had black sand in my reef tank for a year and half and its 40# of coarse live sand and 25 # of fine regular black sand. I have been mulling over taking most of it out and going with all fine sand but I haven't pulled the trigger. any negatives to using all fine sand? is it easily stirred up and does that cause any issues with water chemistry? that's been my main concern because I have a sand sifting sea star and my barred dartfish/zebra goby digs all day kicking the sand around but I have no issues with the coarse stuff, I just like the look of the fine sand so much better


Posted from ReefCentral.com App for Android

 

[daisy002]

I just love it. It does show fish poo on it, and looks dirty if its not kept up though. Here is an updates pic with the lights on.

Also, I love the very fine sand, I keep low to moderate flow in the tank. I do have to be careful to blow the sand off any of my corals though.

I haven't noticed anything with the water chemistry. All my corals seem to be just fine, but my Duncans closed up after rearranging everything. I think that's totally normal though. I put the sand I had in the fuge (it wasn't much, I've been slowly taking scoops out for about a month or so. might be why I haven't noticed a big change in chemistry)

I just did an order on ebay, too. I got 3 sweet euphyllia, and I can't wait to see them against the black sand. Should be Awesome! I managed to get a red torch with an orange stripe down the tentacles, I'll post apic once everything is in and acclimated!

 

[daisy002]

I'll use a better camera next time, the iPhone cameras look like crap after you drop your phone in the bathtub, just so you know, lol.