Substrate choices

[DrMark]

I am getting closer to setting up the 115gal SPS tank and wanted to see what substrate some of the more experienced reefers would suggest. Also a depth choice.

Tank is 36"w x 24"d x 29"h

Please be specific as I need to get it ordered.

Thanks for the help!!
mark

[Jonthefishguy]

I prefer sugar sized. The more coarse it is, the less it allows sand sifters and bottom dwellers to live without getting damaged. Example; certain gobies and blennies sift through the substrate looking for food. If the substrate is too big, it doesnt happen. Besides, sugar sized has a cleaner look. I would say about 2 to 3 inches is good.

[copperband]

DrMARK I recommend sending Hobogato a pm

[Bill S]

There are generally 2 schools of thought:

1) barebottom - or as close to bare as possible. That's mine - just enough of the finest stand to cover the bottom

2) deep sand bed: 4"+ of the finest sand available.

I choose to have my deep sand bed in my fuge. I don't like the look of it in my display.

Ace pretty much does the same, as I recall.

[copperband]

i beleive thats thats what Ace does too.

[JeffCo]

I have barebottom with no fuge/sand bed at all. I used black HDPE on the bottom and alot of it is now covered with shrooms and rics. It's really about what you want it to look like with the maintenance each one has.

[DrMark]

I have barebottom with no fuge/sand bed at all. I used black HDPE on the bottom and alot of it is now covered with shrooms and rics. It's really about what you want it to look like with the maintenance each one has.

Hadnt given much thought before to a barebottom, but the more
I think about it, the black HDPE could be a nice way to go.
Where to get it?
mark

[Zoofan]

I have about a 1 inch sand bed and in spots with low flow have put some sugar sized sand. I try to used rock to create a area that has the sugar sized sand and I put it over the bigger sand. I also have about a 1 inch sand bed in my sump.

I use the one inch to allow for a natural look and to try to prevent much anaerobic stuff going on that you might find in a deeper bed. I use to keep deep beds but after turning it over and killing fish I stopped that.

Having sand will allow you to keep other species of things and if your sand bed is big enough then a sand sifting star will keep it turned up. You might be able to support one in a 115 if your rock base does not take up a lot of the tank. I have kept them in smaller reefs but I think they struggle to find enough to eat.

Mike

[LoneStar]

Hadnt given much thought before to a barebottom, but the more
I think about it, the black HDPE could be a nice way to go.
Where to get it?
mark

You can get HDPE at most plastic supply stores. I'm sure there are some in the Corpus area. If not, Regal Plastics in San Antonio can get it for you.

One thing is if you use white HDPE, it will reflect light back up to your corals. Most common HDPE is a brand name Starboard. Starboard is marketed as a boat board material since it resists uv light. I know Regal sells Starboard since I put it in my old 156g :)

Here is a link to my old tank when I was installing the Starboard:
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=35356&page=9

[DrMark]

thanks for the help
mark