Substrate wars

[taylor t]

I've always put sand down first and then did the rock. Have never used eggcrate under everything and have never had a problem with rock moving.

I definately like to put the sand in first, then the rock. I like the rock resting on the sand rather then the glass since it just seems less likely for it to crack if something falls (probably wouldn't ever happen but...).
And then for the sand I think it depends on what kind of flow you will have in the tank. If you are going to have high flow you'll need a larger grain sand so it doesn't blow around as much. But if you are going with low flow you can get a smaller grain sand and then it's just a matter of what you thinks look better. I personally like Carib Special Reef Grade sand (it's called something like that). It's a larger grain sand so you can have higher flow but still looks nice.

x2 here. I've always done sand, then rock on sand. Never had a shift. No broken tank bottoms... Yet... No egg crate either, but isn't a bad idea - I just have never used it. I also like special grade in my tanks too.

 

[Sullyman]

+3, 30 years setting up my tanks sand first, but I like DSBs(4-5"), and never a problem with a rock fall.
What you use for substrate is a matter of personal preference just like how much sand you prefer, good luck.

 

[sonict72]

If you are going to have sand sifting gobies, you must put the rock in first. Otherwise, I don't think it matters much.

 

[cub21rak]

if you need sand, pm me. i have a 5 gal bucket full. can trade or sell

 

[jmsalt1]

+1 for Tropic Eden sand. Super clean and brighter compared to CaribSea based on my experience. I like the small grain Aragasnow.

 

[BigBarnacles]

If you are going to have sand sifting gobies, you must put the rock in first. Otherwise, I don't think it matters much.

The wife loves the goby/pistol shrimp pair. So I'll definitely have at least one.

 

[BigBarnacles]

+1 for Tropic Eden sand. Super clean and brighter compared to CaribSea based on my experience. I like the small grain Aragasnow.

I've seen nothing but good reviews on the Tropic Eden sand(s). I'm thinking of either going 100% Aragasnow or mixing it up something like 75% Aragasnow 25% Mini reef flakes. Any problems with the Aragasnow blowing around with high flow?

 

[jmsalt1]

I'm thinking of either going 100% Aragasnow or mixing it up something like 75% Aragasnow 25% Mini reef flakes. Any problems with the Aragasnow blowing around with high flow?

I like the idea of mixing those two. High flow that is not a broad flow pattern might be a challenge in a 75 gallon. IME high flow will push the Aragasnow around a bit creating high and low areas in the bed so if you like a very even sand bed this might be something to consider. The reef flakes might help to a degree.

 

[BigBarnacles]

I like the idea of mixing those two. High flow that is not a broad flow pattern might be a challenge in a 75 gallon. IME high flow will push the Aragasnow around a bit creating high and low areas in the bed so if you like a very even sand bed this might be something to consider. The reef flakes might help to a degree.

Not overly concerned about a very even sand bed. Not even sure at this point how crazy I'm going to need the flow to be. Just trying to cover all my bases. I do think the sand business is more lucrative than I ever could have imagined. This stuff is going for over $1 a pound.

 

[faisal629]

Not sure if I like the egg crate idea...I'll have to do some more research. I'll be gluing/epoxying my rock together. Plus I'm shooting for the light, very porous Marco rock. I'm more worried about little critters burrowing underneath and shifting the rocks.

if the rock is touching the egg crate, no critter or fish will be able to under it and move it, even if you glue all your rock its safe to put egg crate cause if YOU while initially putting the rock in drop a piece you will not shatter the bottom.
in the end its your tank = your choice, thats just my .02

 

[BigBarnacles]

if the rock is touching the egg crate, no critter or fish will be able to under it and move it, even if you glue all your rock its safe to put egg crate cause if YOU while initially putting the rock in drop a piece you will not shatter the bottom.
in the end its your tank = your choice, thats just my .02

I hear ya. Just undecided as of now. I take all suggestions into consideration.

 

[local anti]

Be careful with pistols, mine has killed a few fish in my 125..

 

[BigBarnacles]

Be careful with pistols, mine has killed a few fish in my 125..

What a jerk.

 

[local anti]

most are..

 

[BigBarnacles]

I know I'm jumping off topic on my own thread, but...did you see him physically kill a fish?

 

[kd_lc]

If you are going to have sand sifting gobies, you must put the rock in first. Otherwise, I don't think it matters much.

He's quite right, I had a sleeper gold head goby for about three months no problem but as I was actually watching my tank and saw him moving sand around and at that precise moment while he was under the rock the whole structure shifted and I could see his head was crushed and the body wriggling around. Unfortunately he passed on for a stupid mistake I made and still beat myself up every time my 2.5 year old daughter says to me"daddy where's my goby." Avoid yourself the guilt and headaches as far as that goes.

 

[BigBarnacles]

He's quite right, I had a sleeper gold head goby for about three months no problem but as I was actually watching my tank and saw him moving sand around and at that precise moment while he was under the rock the whole structure shifted and I could see his head was crushed and the body wriggling around. Unfortunately he passed on for a stupid mistake I made and still beat myself up every time my 2.5 year old daughter says to me"daddy where's my goby." Avoid yourself the guilt and headaches as far as that goes.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You witnessed an unfortunate accident. Could it have been prevented? Possibly...had you known better. But you didn't. We try our best to prevent accidents/mistakes, but we can't control everything. That's nature. Whether in the ocean or in our own private reefs. He just as well could have done that in the ocean. I'm sure many have. Thanks to you sharing your experience other gobys may not succumb to the same accident. I'll be sure to put down the rock first. Thank you.

 

[jmsalt1]

BigBarnacles,

Just posted a new thread about buying some Tropic Eden sand from PA. Have you bought your sand yet? If not, let me know and let's get it done and get some from PA. Sounds like you need a little more than I do so I could make the trek out to Aurora to pick mine up if you like.

If you already bought yours, do you have any left you didn't use and what did you go with?

 

[sonict72]

I have Aragasnow sand in my 125 gallon tank, about 90lbs or so. It did blow around in my tank for a month or so but it eventually settled down. But the sand is so clean that it does not cloud up the tank. My two diamond gobies keep the sand nice and clean.

 

[BigBarnacles]

BigBarnacles,

Just posted a new thread about buying some Tropic Eden sand from PA. Have you bought your sand yet? If not, let me know and let's get it done and get some from PA. Sounds like you need a little more than I do so I could make the trek out to Aurora to pick mine up if you like.

If you already bought yours, do you have any left you didn't use and what did you go with?

Haven't purchased my sand yet, probably will in a week or two. If that's cool with you I'll give you a heads up and we can order it. Just got my stand and canopy in yesterday. :bdaysmile: