Black sand pros and cons

[sprinter144]

I'm thinking of starting my 90 gallon FOWLR with black sand. Anyone with pics of their aquarium or know of pros or cons I should know about.

 

[markw]

IMO, black sand looks beautiful in the aquarium. The only problem I would see, Im not even sure if this is true, but it would be that the black sand would absorb alot of the available light in the tank. This could turn into a problem if you were to use higher intensity lights because it would increase the temperature and might harm the CUC if they decide to burry themselves and even if not, it would still absorb alot of the light in the tank. I dont know any of this for sure, but thats what I would think.
Mark

 

[sprinter144]

I considered MH for that flickerirng effect, but reality set in and I stuck to the budget and bought a brand new coralife Lunar Aquarlight ($200 I couldn't pass it up). I would have liked a few more watts/gallon, but I think this should be OK for what I want. I already keeps corals in my 46 bowfront and want to keep the cost of this tank under control.
I was in this hobby for several years about 15 years ago and when I got back into it I wanted to try things completely different. That's why I'm thinking of the black sand. I'm at the point where the only equipment I need is a filtration system to get started.

 

[lsu]

There have been a few threads on this and the general consensus is that black sand takes alot more work to keep it looking clean.

 

[sprinter144]

Good point! I haven't had to worry about that with my Goby in the 46. Not only one of my favorite fish, but actually earns his keep!

 

[tfolke1]

Originally Posted by LSU
http:///forum/post/2669235
There have been a few threads on this and the general consensus is that black sand takes alot more work to keep it looking clean.
I remember seeing a thread that some of the black sands had very high silicate levels. There was one that was better, but I don't remember which one it was. Try searching black sand on the search function.

 

[stdreb27]

yeah, black sand is UGLY. And to top it off, you'll see ALL your fish's poop!

 

[rebelprettyboy]

I like the black sand. Thinkin when I start my zoa tank Ill be going with black sand!

 

[alexmir]

Stuff will chip offof the like rock, and coral, they you will have large white chunks int he black sand, and it makes it look bad. I have grey sand and i HATE it!

 

[sprinter144]

I think you've got me convinced to stay conventional with this one.

 

[drtito]

I have black sand I like it. When I get some thing on top I push it in the sand, If I get gray sand on top I add more sand to cover it. looks nice HTH

 

[j-ville]

I had a black sand aqurium for 5 years and loved it. The black really makes the color of the fish stand out. It was the easiest, of all the substates I ever used, to maintain. Never had any problems and really loved the look it gave to the aquarium.

 

[slackjawed]

Originally Posted by sprinter144
http:///forum/post/2669193
I'm thinking of starting my 90 gallon FOWLR with black sand. Anyone with pics of their aquarium or know of pros or cons I should know about.
i have black sand 19 fish and love it no probs i vac every 2 weeks (feeder scales) is the only reason why i have to

 

[nano reefer]

personally, i dont like th look. it would be cool if it was hawaii black sand with hawaii rock and hawaii fish only though. i like Aragamax personally.

 

[sprinter144]

Originally Posted by slackjawed
http:///forum/post/2670938
i have black sand 19 fish and love it no probs i vac every 2 weeks (feeder scales) is the only reason why i have to
Any pics? I think that would help me make up my mind.

 

[crimzy]

Here's one of mine. This sand is almost 4 years old and I never clean it.

 

[oceansidefish]

I had a black sand mix with some white... It was awesome no problems it was actually cool looking with some white mixed in

 

[faqbch99]

When i upgraded i went to black, well it is mostly black, it has some white in it. I really like it alot. Been up for over a month with the black, got pics in this thread. https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/322149/72-gal-to-150-gal-upgrade

 

[dmv]

Its not the best photo but I can say I love the black sand , but I have read bad things on Ta , Moon , sand that it will give you ph headaches ,

 

[stanlalee]

I cant think of any cons other than that white sand reflects light back and black sand doesn't. White sand may help expose some partially blocked corals and the underside of coralline covered rock better. Of course thats being picky, I just think aragonite white sand looks better and more natural.