Sand question

[rolikesfish]

So, I have yet another question, how would I be better off going, smaller or larger grain sizes of sand. I do not really know the difference, can someone please inform me.

 

[isildursbane]

Please give some info on your tank/plans. Generally finer is recommended because it gives a much greater surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Finer sand grains ca also lead to "sandstorms" in the aquarium/ but over time the "slime" from the bacteria usually cements the sand grains together so this is not a problem. Crushed coral type sands are generally thought to be too coarse for the micro-fauna that populate a reef sandbed/ but some people choose it because it is readily available and sandstorms will not be an issue.

 

[rolikesfish]

I want to get a 50 gallon DT with a 20 gallon sump, its gonna be drilled, high flow, so what kind of sand do you recommend?

 

[JoeRonda]

If I were you, you can't go wrong with CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand. It is the perfect grain size, not too large, and not too tiny.

 

[rolikesfish]

JoeRonda, I would love to get CaribSea, but it is a little bit too expensive for me.

 

[rolikesfish]

Actually JoeRonda, I just found a website that offers free shipping, and a good price on the fiji pink from CaribSea

 

[5ft24]

JoeRonda, I would love to get CaribSea, but it is a little bit too expensive for me.

umm... not really... call places and ask about larger bags.
From Marine depot, I got 2 40 pound bags for 30 bucks each...

 

[rolikesfish]

I know if you read the comment under I actually did find it for a good price

 

[5ft24]

yep... hadn't read that before I posted...

 

[rolikesfish]

its okay, no harm done.

 

[Tony78]

My local petsmart has sales on caribsea dry aragonite sand. I got 3 x 30lb bags for $40 a few months ago. I've noticed the sand on sale again since my purchase also. Might be worth checking your local big box pet store for a sale.

Also, many of the big box petstores have coupons or online coupons that you can print

 

[addonnis242]

I had the the Ocean Direct fine grade in my 120 and I absolutely hated it. I had to keep my Vortech MP40s on low or it would blow all over the tank. I had a sand sifting goby that while sifting created dust storms along with the MP40s, the rocks were covered in soot almost. In my 215 I opted for the Seafloor special grade reef sand and I love it absolutely love it, no dust storms it pretty much stays put even with three MP40s on full blast. I can't say enough about how much better I think this stuff is vs the fine grade. And now that I have the special grade I think it looks better, which I felt exactly the opposite prior but I really like the look better.

Anyway just my 2 cents.

 

[addonnis242]

I had the the Ocean Direct fine grade in my 120 and I absolutely hated it. I had to keep my Vortech MP40s on low or it would blow all over the tank. I had a sand sifting goby that while sifting created dust storms along with the MP40s, the rocks were covered in soot almost. In my 215 I opted for the Seafloor special grade reef sand and I love it absolutely love it, no dust storms it pretty much stays put even with three MP40s on full blast. I can't say enough about how much better I think this stuff is vs the fine grade. And now that I have the special grade I think it looks better, which I felt exactly the opposite prior but I really like the look better.

Anyway just my 2 cents.