Which Sand For My 48x36x24h w/ 2 x MP60's?

[naterealbig]

What is the smallest grain sand that I can use, with no sand shifting, while utilizing these pumps between 50-75% flow? Do I have an option without having to use a gravel type substrate?

 

[rovster]

That's going to be tough. A lot will depend also on your rock scape. I'm having trouble keeping Reef Flakes in place with my MP40s. Reef Flakes is a coarser sand, but nowhere near a gravel. I think you will need even coarser than that. My tank is 52 x 26 x 19 and I have the pumps in the upper third of the tank or else they pick up sand from right under them! I'm running them at around 60-70%. Hope this helps.

 

[naterealbig]

Rovster,

Thank you for the comments, and I agree with what you are saying. I'm really looking for someone to recommend a specific substrate, as I don't really know what is available with regards to brands and sizes. Still looking for some guidance.

Thanks!

 

[trueblackpercula]

mp60's move a lot of water so the sand will move around.

 

[Greg11]

I'm using tropic eden reef and mini flakes mix 50/50 f
running 2 mp 40 in 120 gal its hard to keep it in place in one spot but like rovster said its depends on your rockscape
i just don't like gravel look

 

[naterealbig]

Greg, someone else recommended the reef flakes, however I have read in other posts that MP60's will move the reef flakes around, and even get sucked up in the powerheads. I have been planning for a while to go my normal route for this build, 3/4" HDPE. I briefly considered sand, but I really don't think it is an option when considering the equipment that I am not willing to waiver on. Unless someone with experience with a similar setup makes a specific recommendation, barebottom it will be. Thanks everyone, for the comments!

 

[bogg]

Crushed coral and medium grade aragonite

 

[MisterP]

Just a thought but why not use MP40s for a 4 ft tank

 

[rovster]

40s will still kick up sand if cranked high enough IMHO.

 

[MisterP]

Exactly....so why use MP60s on a 4 footer. More power doesn't mean anything if your blowing sand everywhere.

 

[naterealbig]

Hi Bogg - I don't want crushed coral. I did a Google search for medium grain aragonite, but nothing turned up. Could you give me a brand and website?

MisterP - the tank will have 3/4" walls. MP40's don't stick well to the glass - I've tried. MP60's are the only flow option, for other reasons as well. The water movement in this tank is more important than whether there is substrate or not. The only reason I considered sand, is because it will be tough to scrape the starboard weekly to keep it white.

 

[bogg]

Then you should just let the coralline encrust over the starboard

 

[phenom5]

With that much flow in a 4' tank, I would skip the sand altogether.

Tropical Eden Reefflakes or Caribsea Seaflor Special are the two heaviest "sands" without going to crushed coral, but neither one would stay put.