Jawfish and Live Sand??

[misty927]

I'm setting up a new 75 gallon reef. I have a jawfish in my current aquarium (with crushed coral) and would love to add one to this new 75. I'm planning on using live sand only on my new tank, however. I know that jawfish like to create tunnels and little caves and such. Will he be able to do this with live sand. I'm not planning on having any crushed coral in the new setup. I'm thinking he won't be able to and, therefore, will pass on the jawfish, if so. Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

[buzz]

If you use a coarse grade aragonite, at least for the upper levels of the bed, it should be OK.

 

[daniel411]

Your fish will be much happier tunneling in sand vs. sharp crushed coral. It will be beneficial in mixing up the sand. However, the fauna on sand that helps with the nitrogen cycle may not be as productive with all of the disturbances. It will still be live, and some help though. Mainly you anaerobic layers of sand would be harmed. You could place some petscreen a few inches down if you have a DSB, preventing the fish from disturbing those layers.