How much sand for 90 gallon?

[finksmart]

How many lbs of sand do I need for a 90 gallon. Not going for DSB just for look. Probably no more than 1 inch is desired. Also, what is a good sand to get that's not too fine (not easily stirred) but not too coarse? What is the whitest sand on the market that I can get? Thanks.

 

[ifirefight]

LOOK over to the left side
<<<<<<

[hr]
CLICK live rock live sand
There is a "sand calculator"

 

[aquaguy24]

i have 90lbs in my 90g tank..i have a 3inch sand bed....looks good to me...if ur not gonna run a remote DSB just throw in 80 or 90lbs..better for filtration anyways...

 

[finksmart]

Thanks all. I tried the sand calculator on the left but it didn't work for me. Boo.
What's a good size of sand (in mm) that is not too coarse but doesn't cause a sandstorm when u syphon the bottom/change water?

 

[sprinter144]

Thanks all. I tried the sand calculator on the left but it didn't work for me. Boo.
I was able to use the calculator for my 90 gallon (48X18) and 2 inch sand bed is 70 lbs.

 

[finksmart]

Thanks for the info. I picked up 60lbs of LS from the LFS. 40lbs of CaribSea Direct Special Grade and 20lbs of CaribSea Reef Sand to mix things up.
Now my next question is, do I put the LS first of LR first? It's a new tank w/o live stock.

 

[fishfreak1242]

When I started my tank, I just put the LS in first, and then a few days later put in some LR, and it all turned out great.

 

[fishkid13]

I did the same as Fishfreck1224, and it turned out just fine. Most people will tell you that you need to put the rock in first so fish/inverts that burrow wont break the formation,but if you do it that way you dont have a sandbed to set the rocks on,you might ding the glass a little and I like to see how the sand and rocks look together before I but water in.

 

[finksmart]

Originally Posted by fishkid13
http:///forum/post/2671613
I like to see how the sand and rocks look together before I but water in.

So you're saying I should not add water in until I have laid out my LR and LS? I was planning to get the water mixed in the tank first and let it run for a day or two THEN put LR/LS in.

 

[fishfreak1242]

Originally Posted by finksmart
http:///forum/post/2671632
So you're saying I should not add water in until I have laid out my LR and LS? I was planning to get the water mixed in the tank first and let it run for a day or two THEN put LR/LS in.
Your water will get pretty cloudy if you let it run then put in the sand and LR. I would put in the sand then fill it will water slowly. Then put LR in a day or two later. If you do fishkids methods you could risk cracking the tank because the rock would fall alot quicker than in water and you would have less time to catch a rock if it were to fall. JMO.

 

[finksmart]

The reason I want to add the water first is because I would have to put fresh water in then mix it with salt. I have no way of mixing the water outside of the tank because it's pretty big (90g).
I think I might kill whatever is left living on the LR/LS if I pour fresh water over it then mix it with salt.
I think I'll do it in the order of water, LS, LR. This way the sand is less likely going to cover the rock. I have eggcrate on the bottom of the tank plus some PVC pipes made out to prop up the LR to create caves so I think the LR are safe.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[prime311]

Originally Posted by aquaguy24
http:///forum/post/2669977
i have 90lbs in my 90g tank..i have a 3inch sand bed....looks good to me...if ur not gonna run a remote DSB just throw in 80 or 90lbs..better for filtration anyways...

A Remote DSB is to provide additional Nitrate filtration and a 3" sandbed isn't going to help with Nitrates at all. Sorry, just not sure where you were going with your comment

 

[rebelprettyboy]

I like puttin the base of the rock in first then the sand around it. Keeps it covered up and if u have any sand sifting fish they rocks will be more stable

 

[sprinter144]

I've always added the sand (not live sand) first. Then put in the water using 4 gallon bucket. This was for my previous tanks (40, 46, 29). I plan on doing this same thing for my 90 except I'll mix up the water in a 30 gallon food quality garage can. I'll then pump the water into the 90 and add live rock after everythings running before adding live stock. In my last tank I added live sand last once the tank had cycled. Once everything is stable I'll begin adding live stock. I plan on a FOWLR for the 90.