Going back to sandbed

[borderreef]

I have been BB for several years, but I am now upgrading to a 125g and I think I'm going back to sand. I have not decided whether it will be DSB or not. Anyhow, is there and updated info out there on a viable replacement for southdown? I actually used this when I first got into this hobby many (many) years ago.

 

[Whisperer]

If you are planning on high flow system, southdown sand is not ideal. If you decide to use Southdown sand, you can get it from Marco rocks.

 

[blennymower]

IMO: Don't use a DSB. Just add enough sand to cover the glass and make the tank aesthetically pleasing. That's what I have because it just helps keep the tank cleaner.

 

[Fish4Me2]

Just curious, what's your goal for adding sand? Aesthetics or something else?

 

[borderreef]

I actually had a 6" DSB in my 45g tall when I first started about 15 years ago. Loved it. I used southdown then without any problems. Once it settled, I found it easy to maintain. One nice thing I liked was if it got looking crappy, I could syphon off the very top layer and refesh it. When I moved and broke down the tank, I decided to try BB. Liked it ok, but miss the bed and all the critters. So, I'll probably only go with a 3" bed to get that look back. I know Southdown/NewCastle is not readily available at HD any more, I'm just wondering if there is anything else out there.

 

[Fish4Me2]

Yeah, you can get some neat life in a sand bed. I feel as if I can keep my tank cleaner without a sand bed, but I miss the diversity I got from it.