Best sand and Why?

Whats every ones opinion on sand? Type and stuff, starting a new tank and want to get some opinions. 

 

I think most people will answer aragonite sand for the pH buffering qualities. As far as size of sand grains, back in 2008 at Fall Fest, Adam Cesnales did a talk on refugiums and in that talk, discussed sandbeds. If I recall, his recommendation was for the "sugar" sand (the smallest grains), but I don't recall all of the reasons that he mentioned for this. I would recommend going into the videos section and watching his video and you'll probably get your answer. I know this isn't a definitive answer to your question, but I hope that it at least provides you with some direction.

--AJ

 

also if you plan on any wrasses,many need a sand bed to sleep and or hide and the smaller the grain size the better!

 

Posted By wolfman1973 on 08/02/2010 11:01 AM
also if you plan on any wrasses,many need a sand bed to sleep and or hide and the smaller the grain size the better!
Agreed - your selection may be determined by livestock.
As AJ stated sugar is popular but I did find after increasing flow (substantially) it can be a pain.
-Eric

 

I have about 200 lbs or so of live sand.  I sold my setup to AJ, so ask him if your interested.

 

oh yah, sugar size

 

I was going to give this a try, anyone use it and how is the color? http://www.livesand.com/ the Samoa pink. I am more interested in the color and grain size, not that its alive, i think they make a dead version as well.

 

the finer the sand, the more that stirs up during cleaning/moving stuff.

From my short experience in this hobby, I would go with either a larger grain size (1/8" crushed) or a mix of fine sand and the crushed.

-Justin

 

i like a mixture of sizes it looks more natural go to the beach not all the sand is the same size so why make all the sand in your tank the same size use a mixture of sugar sand, course sand, med crushed coral, large crushed coral, and even throw in some shells and rubble rock

 

I started with a mix of sand that came with the tank, some fine, some thick, some rock stuble. First time I saw a tank with "sugar sand" i fell in love and immediately went to the store and made the switch. Its been a couple months but Petsmart in marion had the argonite sugar sand for cheaper than in catalogs, which doesnt happen often at all! I say go with sugar sand, but thats just a opinion. I will agree with posts above that when you go to stir it up in any way it does take longer to "settle". Defenetely check out Petsmart though if you go with sugar sand they're pretty cheap!