Do I have enough sand?

[richgreg]

I just started my reef tank about 6 weeks ago and was curious if I used enough sand in my tank.
I have a 75 gallon bow front reef ready tank with wet/dry system.
I currently have about 75 pounds of live rock with 40lbs of live sand.
Is 40lbs enough sand? should I add more? If i add more sand should it be live sand or regular reef sand?
any help would be appreciated.

 

[almarktool]

rich,
if u have a total of 40lbs of substrate on the bottom then u need lots more i have 100 of LS in my 72 bowfront and that is with my LR on the bottom/glass

 

[bradburycf]

Rich, if you want a dsb, you'll want a lot more sand. Here's a calculator to help you figure it out. http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/SandBed.htm You want at least a four inch bed.

 

[bradburycf]

Sorry, to answer the rest of your question - If you already have some live sand and rock, any more you add doesn't need to be, it will be seeded by the existing lr/ls.

 

[wrassecal]

For good info on deep sand beds click

 

[brianf01]

What does it have to be 4 inches deep? is 2 inches ok? If I want it deeper, is it ok to add dead sand on top of live sand? What type of sand should I buy/where? I have about 40lbs live sand, but would like it a bit deeper, and want to add some to my refugium.