Refugium live sand depth

[gatorsfan]

Hi, I was wondering I have a refugium that has room for only a 3.5 inch sand bed.Is this enough sand?

 

[AllenFord_SC]

Should be a fine amount. Not to deep, not to shallow.

 

[TekCat]

Why you want sand in the fuge? The best (by many accounts) macro algae to grow in the fuge is Chaetomorpha, and it does not need any type of substrate. For pods: LR and again Chaeto houses them very well. No need for sand.
However if you plan to have DSB in the fuge, then three major things needed to be adressed: 1) minimum 4" of oolitic sand, 2) big area of the sand surface, 3) lots of flow across surface.

 

[Norboo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6643472#post6643472 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TekCat
Why you want sand in the fuge? The best (by many accounts) macro algae to grow in the fuge is Chaetomorpha, and it does not need any type of substrate. For pods: LR and again Chaeto houses them very well. No need for sand.
However if you plan to have DSB in the fuge, then three major things needed to be adressed: 1) minimum 4" of oolitic sand, 2) big area of the sand surface, 3) lots of flow across surface.

Why oolitic sand? Which oolitic sand?

Great Salt Lake(GSL) sand, the CaribSea Oolitic sand, or the Southdown play sand found in Home Depots(Old Castle)?


Oolitic (ppm)

Calcium
GSL: 320,952
CaribSea: 361,586
OldCastle: 351,185

Magnesium
GSL: 4,756
CaribSea: 2,414
OldCastle: 2,397

Silica
GSL: 122,921
CaribSea: 19,977
OldCastle: 20,553

Iron
GSL: 95
CaribSea: 25
OldCastle: 25

Copper
GSL: 39
CaribSea: 39
OldCastle: 36

Phosphorous
GSL: 161
CaribSea: 35
OldCastle: 37

This sand is generally very small, fine, and round sand. Numerous hobbyists have used this sand in their tanks for many years, while others are still unaware of its existence. Some hobbyists argue against the use of this sand for various reasons, including; possible pollutants and contaminants, origination may not be of a marine source, potential problems for pH and alkalinity stabilization. Advocates of these sands claim they have: buffering capabilities, increased surface area for filtration purposes, low costs, and are composed of the same elements as high grade reef substrates.