Best sand for reef tank

[rguyler]

Okay, I have some really nice sand that all the inverts and smaller fish seem to enjoy quite a bit. My problem is it's just too fine (as fine if not finer than granulated sugar) and blows all over the place from my powerheads. It gets all over the rock all the time and shifts in big sand dunes and I just don't like it.

What is an all-around good sand I can use that won't blow around but still fine enough for inverts and fish to burrow in?

[JG1]

This, hands down....


http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/TE-TE03616R30.html

[dzhuo]

I agree with JG. This sand is clean, uniform and consistent.

[bluezx636]

really great sand have it myself

[rguyler]

Thanks to you all!

Is everybody using the Reef-Flakes? Anybody using the smaller stuff - the Mini-Flakes or Aragasnow?

[zangmann]

What sand are you using now? I'd recommend the sand from marcorocks (https://www.marcorocks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=66), but that may be too fine for you ...

[cveverly]

This (http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+9805+7326&pcatid=7326) is the best I have used.

[pimp4cheddar]

The sand all depends on what your trying to keep in your tank...

I want a nice sleeper goby and I need fine (really fine) sand for that fish...as anything other than that will tear their belly...

I've tried thicker grain sand and I never really like it.

I like the sugar sized sand. Most people don't because it may make a mess in their tank...but I don't seem to have a problem.


To each it's own...

[t4zalews]

I enjoy special grade reef sand. large enough so that it wont whip around, but small enough that it my wrasse has a nice home

[rguyler]

What sand are you using now? I'd recommend the sand from marcorocks (https://www.marcorocks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=66), but that may be too fine for you ...

I can't remember exactly what it is...maybe CaribSea? I bought it at the LFS so it's one of the big brands. Whatever the brand, it's very white (which I like) and as fine as if not finer than sugar.

I've looked at the MarcoRocks sand and it looks to be about the same thing I have but hard to say for sure. Do you use that sand yourself?

[dzhuo]

Is everybody using the Reef-Flakes? Anybody using the smaller stuff - the Mini-Flakes or Aragasnow?

I use a 2:1 of mini-Flakes to Flakes. If I were to start over again, I would go all Flakes. I don't use the Aragasnow for precisely the reason you mentioned. If you have sand sifter that requires fine sand, you might not have much choice regardless which brand you choose.

[zangmann]

I've looked at the MarcoRocks sand and it looks to be about the same thing I have but hard to say for sure. Do you use that sand yourself?

I don't, but I was going to get about 160lbs for a 180 I am setting up. I've read good things about the marco substrate, but the reeflakes looks really nice.

Kinda leaning in that direction now!

[THE ROOK]

SeaFlor Reef Grade is a great choice. Been much happier since switching some of may tanks over from the expensive fine "live sand" stuff that covers my corals constantly.

[rguyler]

I use a 2:1 of mini-Flakes to Flakes. If I were to start over again, I would go all Flakes. I don't use the Aragasnow for precisely the reason you mentioned. If you have sand sifter that requires fine sand, you might not have much choice regardless which brand you choose.

Besides a Watchman and a few Nassarius snails I don't have much these days that need fine sand. I think the goby would be fine with a more coarse substrate. The snails...well...they'll just have to learn to adjust. :)

[rguyler]

I don't, but I was going to get about 160lbs for a 180 I am setting up. I've read good things about the marco substrate, but the reeflakes looks really nice.

Kinda leaning in that direction now!

Yeah, me too.

I'll check out that SeaFloor Reef Grade Rook. Thanks!

[rguyler]

For those of you using the Reef Flakes, any idea how much I would need to get around 3" for a 48"x24" tank floor? I can't seem to find any info to tell me how many bags to order.

Thanks

[dzhuo]

Did you use this calculator? http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/sand-bed-calculator

[sasharotty]

Caribsea seaflor special grade will be going into my new setup.Looks nice and wont blow all over.

[THE ROOK]

I have a large cave goby (4" min) & he has no issue with the change to Seaflor. Digs huge tunnels but I now rarely have to blow sand off of corals.

[johnike]

Special grade here as well. Four inches in the DT, and six in the refugium.

[JG1]

I've used both, reef flakes and the special grade sea floor.....like I said earlier, reef flakes hands down.


rguyler, 1 bag gave me a depth of about 3/4" in a 48x24.

[rguyler]

Thanks JG1! I used the calculator but had no way of knowing the pounds/cubic ft. Your answer is perfect since I have the same footprint.