new tank substrate

[FernanQ]

I'm new to saltwater and I'm setting up a 55 gal and I have some questions. I need to get some substrate. There are several grain sizes...is sand good? Is there a reason for me to get a more course substrate? I cleaned my freshwater tank with a gravel vacuum....can I use that with sand? Do I need to vacuum it at all??

Also, I see some reef aquariums here with so much rock and very little bottom surface...How do you keep it clean from detritus?...I see it's not possible with a gravel vacuum underneath all those rocks. I know,, these may sound like dumb questions but can someone shed me some please light and experience...

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

[welcome]
sand is the best way to go IMO. the courseer you go the more chances for nasites to acculimate into it. as for keeping the sand clean nass. snails, tiger tail cuke, bristle worms, ect. they are all great for keeping the sand nice and white.

it all depends on how you layout your tank with the LR to get more or less surface area. just the way you like it.

also no question is a dumb one.

 

[neotekz]

oolitic sand is what you want, this is a very fine sand sometimes called sugar sand.

 

[mg426]

WELCOME to RC. sand is the way to go !!