Black sand...

[Florida8]

I had posted some time back when we were selling our home in Florida... we have since relocated and I would like to set up the 10g again. I am starting from scratch other than tank, lights and filteration... I really want to use the black sand and have seen a few types and brands... which is the best one to buy, and what problems, if any could I have using it?

Thanks,
Kimberly

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I know Seachem Grey Coast is a problem for sifters since it has sharp edges.
I've also dealt with Tahitian moon sand (I think that was the one) but it was in freshwater. It showed a lot of debris on the surface. My guess it was heavily compacted. Not too sure how marine fish would react.

 

[Devilishturtles]

We used to have a member here who had a black sand (tahitian moon sand) reef. I thought it looked pretty nice. I've only ever used it in freshwater however as well and it did seem to show debris easily but I assume you can get around that with the right detrivores.

 

[Biggen]

While I've never used black sand, I have always heard that it typically shows a lot of "junk" on the surface of the sand over time. From what I am told, lightly vacuuming just the top of the sand gets rid of all the debris...

Your best bet is to stick with an oolitic sand with a small grain size. Your sifters will love you for it.

 

[melosu58]

Yes a friend of mine use to have the black sand and she said it was hard to keep looking clean. I thought it looked nice but she thought otherwise.