Sand question

[Liz]

Please help me make an informed decision...

I want to change the substrate (currently crushed coral) in my reef tank for either TMCs "coral sand" with 1-2mm particle sizes or Caribsea's "sugar sand" with 0.2-1.2mm particle sizes.

What does everyone else use in their tanks please? I'm struggling to decide between the two.

Can I mix them ?
Thanks in advance
Lis

 

[lando]

I personally prefer the finer sand myself. You can mix the two, but the finer sand will make its way to the bottom over time.

 

[roka64]

It's really a personal preference. Keep in mind the smaller the particle, the more easily it can be stirred up by water movement. You could mix the two sands. I wouldn't mix the CC with sand as the CC will end up on the top of the sand. Whan you do the switch make sure you have some PWC available. I did 1/3rd of my 55G at a time.

 

[tecwzrd]

I only use Caribsea's brand of sand and am always please with how little rinsing I need to do to rid the dust.

 

[Steven Pro]

I prefer a fine grade of sand.

 

[MT79]

I'm currently using a larger particle size sand, Carib-sea reef floor special or mix I think it's called. It works alright, but I liked fine sand better. I think fine sand looks a little better and if using a shallow sand bed may do a better job at creating anoxic areas for denitrification. I would recommend larger sized particles for people who want a deep sand bed, 4" +, or who have very high water flow such as SPS coral tanks.

 

[Liz]

Thanks everyone for your really speedy responses. I haven't used the forum in a while and I had forgotten how helpful everyone is. Even for seemingly daft questions like mine

I intend to use a sand bed of approx. 2 inches. I have heard that the finer sand can sometimes go hard and compact - has anyone had this problem?

Thanks again
Lis

 

[melosu58]

I like the larger particle sand because as Scott said it is heavier and not as likely to be tossed around as the finer sand. JMO

 

[MT79]

Sand clumping was never an issue for me. AFAIK it's not really known for sure why some tanks experience it and others don't. I think tanks that use kalkwasser may be at a higher risk, but I'm not positive on that.?

 

[roka64]

Mine is clumped in my 55G. I found out this when the pistol turned into a mining machine.

 

[artoledo]

I use fine sand for my sand sifting animals. Also, it looks prettier.

 

[GatorDrew]

I'm personally trying to choose between:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0793

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CS0790

I'm really torn. I think the finer sand would look pretty nice, but I don't want sand tossed and turned. So, I'm leaning more towards the Special Grade Sand.

 

[roka64]

To be honest, I have trouble believing that sand is actuall "live" after harvesting, bagging, shipping, sitting in the warehouse, shipping to the stor, sitting on a shelf at room temp and then to the customer's house. I like this Aragamax Sand http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=7321&N=2004+113554.