Sandy Decisions

[BrianA]

I was just wondering if there is are significant pros and cons of using different types of sand when starting up or if I should just stick with same brand and type? Any info is greatly appreciated!

[Zack]

By different types do you mean different grain sizes or like "crushed coral" types?

I have used nature's ocean live sand twice and both times I was satisfied with the results. It's about a dollar a pound.

Heres a vid on the product

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3YaWwvdYXk&feature=relmfu

[BrianA]

First off thank you for sharing that video clip!
That guy seems knowledgeable. I have purchased Caribsea: Ocean Direct pacific black and was thinking I might not want the whole bed to be black and white. Without really switching brands would it make a difference on weather I changed the grain size and added some Arag-Alive?

[Zack]

No problem, in my opinion, the maker of that video has one of the top reef tank channels on youtube. Very informative, lots of good info.

I may be reading this wrong but are you saying you have two different colors of sand and you want to just put the new color on top of the old?

If you add a sand that has a lower grain size, then eventually the lower grain size would find their way to the bottom (or so I've heard)

[tonyydeee]

If you add a sand that has a lower grain size, then eventually the lower grain size would find their way to the bottom (or so I've heard)

very true, I have fine grain sand and larger (but still tiny) rocks gather at the top

[Zack]

Yeah, however I have heard that if the grains are not TOO different in size, this can actually be very beneficial.

BTW, welcome to MAAST!

I've only been here a couple of months, however the community is very knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help you out with whatever you may need.

[Europhyllia]

It will totally depend on what you want to keep in your tank

[Scream311]

Welcome to MAAST BrianA !

Any detail on what type of Tank your seting up ?

[roscozman]

Ping is a member on here and is the Sand and Fuge expert (IMO). I believe he still check ins from time to time and maybe he will respond.

See his post here or you can send him a private message.

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?53906-130-Reef-Bulid-%28update-with-pic-pg6%29&p=766199#post766199

Note: CC - Crushed Coral

[BrianA]

Thank you everyone for this feedback! :)
Thank you all for the warm welcome as well!
I believe I will keep the grain size very similar for I want to have burrowing & sifting critters like crabs, clams, etc... I have heard if you have larger grain size it is harder for them to do such burrowing.
I plan on having a full reef system however in my lifetime I have learned to acquire the information needed before you start a worth while project. I have gather some of the necessities but I want to do it right or not at all. It will be a sump system obviously but it is a small 50 gallon tank to start.
I guess my basic question is "Does different sand have different bacteria to grow certain worms, coral and all the awesome things or should I stick with a single type and hope to get real lucky with what I get?" :bigsmile:

[Europhyllia]

There is a difference between sifting a burrowing. Some gobies sift meaning they take the sand in the mouth with the intent of getting small critters out of it to eat.
Very fine sand would work for them. Truly burrowing fish (those that create a tunnel/home in the substrate) like jawfish will need a mixed substrate that include larger shells etc because you can't build a tunnel with just fine sand

[CoryDude]

The same bacteria and microfauna will be the same on most substrate types. I just re-did my tank with caribbsea reefsand plus, which has a lot of shells and larger pieces mixed in. Personally, I love it and love the look. I plan on keeping a pistol shrimp in there, so the shells and whatnot will make it that much easier for him to build his tunnels.