Which is better, White or Black substrate?

[miogpsrocks]

I was wondering which is better? White or black substrate?

I have watch some youtube video and people say the black substrate makes the coral colors look better but looks worse when its dirty with fish waste.

I would think that it would blend into the dark color better.

Anyway, does anyone have experience with both substrates?

Thanks.

 

[IanWR]

I think like almost any choice in this hobby (or life in general) it depends. Mostly there is an aesthetic decision (which looks better to you). There are reasons to choose one grain size over another based on what critters you plan on having, and black may not be available in that grade of sand. I don't recall seeing a TOTM with black sand, but that may be because white sand is so common (or I have a poor memory). Ultimately it's up to you! Plus, if you make choice and regret it you can always remove it and switch.

 

[toothybugs]

Do half your tank black, half in white, and kinda swirl the line down the middle - that would be original and very cool

It's really up to you though. I've seen beautiful tanks with both. Personally, I like black for BB but white for sand. That's just my personal preference however.

 

[miogpsrocks]

Do half your tank black, half in white, and kinda swirl the line down the middle - that would be original and very cool

It's really up to you though. I've seen beautiful tanks with both. Personally, I like black for BB but white for sand. That's just my personal preference however.

It is true that black sand always looks bad with fish waste and impossible to look clean??

I know that with planted freshwater tanks, you always want to avoid white sand for that reason.

Thanks.

 

[jason2459]

Be careful with many black sands. Some are not suitable for reef tanks. One test is pass a strong magnet over it and see if it reacts. If it does stay away from it. It would be great for planted tanks as they like a bit of iron. And some black sands are basalt based which can be a concern as well for leaching any number of minerals. Just look up lace rock. Then there is the cleanliness factor but that can be said for just about any sand bed.

 

[smoothie7]

I have seen both colors before and both have there place. Black does seem to make corals pop nicely when it is clean but if theres a lot of live rock it seems to take away from it some IMHO. White sand when clean looks the best and most natural