Substrate Question

[LadyOfIreland]

Hey all! Just moved to Phoenix from Washington and Inherited an old tank from my brother and sister in law who have given up on fish. It is a 20 gallon and has a black substrate in it that I am not sure is reef friendly or not. I have only ever used live tan sand in my tanks, and never knew a lot about other types of substrate. This stuff is not quite sand, but not gravelly. I have attached a photo of it in my hand so you get an idea for how big the granules are. I plan to make this tank a home for clowns only, no coral, and maybe an RBTA. Would this substrate suit a tank like that? Or would it be a better idea to get rid of it and put in regular sand? I have a 10 pound bag of (now dead) sand that I can put in the tank WITH this substrate, too. What do you all think?? I'm stuck at the moment and would like to get water in it and start cycling it today. Thanks!!

 

[Frick]

Welcome to AZ FRAG! If you got time come meet some of us Saturday in Scottsdale.

It looks like Seachems Black Flourite sand which is a fresh mix and could leach iron into the water. That could lead to some major algae problems. I am not saying it is that but I would not risk it in saltwater unless you are doing an sea grass lagoon or macro-algae display.

Plus the white araganite sands are good for buffering your water.

 

[Frick]

Oh yeah and here are the details on the meeting this Saturday if you are interested.
http://arizonafrag.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5

 

[sweet2004r1]

Looks like spent carbon LOL!!! Yeah i wouldnt trust it as frick said it does look like a planted tank substrate.