black sand

[dustint21]

Has anyone used black sand in their tank? Im looking for the pros and cons! I saw some at the LFS and i was thinking about using it in my new 50 gallon build! I am going rimless and will be putting clams in the tank. Any help and some pics would be great!

Thanks
Dustin

[LoneStar]

Black sand is basically volcanic rock. It will not have any buffering abilities like aragonite but will work just as good as a substrate. The color of your corals and clams will 'pop', 'stand out' better against the black surface. One draw back is the sand will absorb light vs white sand that will reflect it back to your coral.

[alton]

Yep what Lonestar said. Especially on the light aspect. (Sure do miss the good ole Lonestar beer.)

[dustint21]

Cool so it should make the clams look nice! Thanks for the info! So since it will absorb the light would I be ok with a 4 bulb T5 fixture or should i go the MH route? Anyone got any pics?

[clone]

I'LL POST UP SOME PIC'S LATER.
I RUN ALL BLACK SAND.

[fishn]

Here is what I used:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/233/product.web

but I mixed it with white sand. You are free to come and see it anytime.

[klondike4001]

I used black sand in my 29, I think it helped everything pop...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b194/klondike4001/FullTankTrimmed.jpg

[reefer man]

i run all black sand also it brings out color alot

[clone]

sorry i couldnt get any pics.
But i'll be honest,i wish i had gone with normal white sand.
you get some what of better color but to me it just doesnt look like a real reef

[fishn]

I like the black sand, but I have always liked the look of the mix with white sand. I wish that I had mixed one extra bag wit mine

[sly fox]

do people find its hard to keep it clean looking?

[clone]

just alittle, white spots show up often

[dustint21]

Thanks for the info and pics! I still dont know what to do! This is not my main tank! I have a 90 gallon with white sand! I think Im going to try the black sand!

[patman]

I've never used black sand and I have a question. Normal "brown" volcanic rock is loaded with phosphate, is the black also? Any algae or dino issues with it?

[clone]

no algae at all can be seen.thats one good thing about it.