Please help me select my substrate

[cam78]

Im gonna get CaribSea dead sand and some CaribSea Live. I wanna know what grain size to get. I don't want something too fine that creates sand storms and I don't want rocks either. Can you please let me know what sizze is perfect. Also what color looks good? I don't want real pink stuff or bleached white. Suggestions please.

 

[nikesb]

IMO, the sugar sized sand is the nicest. what pump will you be using. I've got an mp10 in my tank close to full power and the sand no longer blows around once established

 

[cam78]

Eventually I will have the MP40's. What size is the "sugar" size in mm's

 

[nikesb]

.1-1.00 mm

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by nikeSB
http:///forum/post/3283141
IMO, the sugar sized sand is the nicest. what pump will you be using. I've got an mp10 in my tank close to full power and the sand no longer blows around once established

+1 I like the sugar size too.

 

[saxman]

i prefer #3 grade...it "lays down" much better than sugar fine, but doesn't trap detritus. if you want something a bit finer, go with #1 grade...the same applies.

 

[beaslbob]

I just use play sand from home depot.

 

[twood]

I used the sugar sized in my tank, but had problems with it blowing around. I bought some CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand (1.25-1.95mm grain size) and put it on top of my sugar sized sand and have much less sand blowing. Most of the reef tanks I have seen use that size or something close to it.

 

[cam78]

How about crushed coral? Pros and cons please.

 

[saxman]

if you feel like vacuuming the substrate fairly often, then CC is the stuff for you. it traps detritus between the grains, which simply decays and eventually becomes nitrates.
seriously, look into #3 grade aragonite if you're considering CC. it gives you a similar look, but doesn't trap gunk.
this is what #3 looks like (IIRC, "special reef grade" is similar):

 

[flower]

Cute fish, what is that?

 

[cam78]

Okay so I'm thinking carib sea arag-alive Fiji pink live sand. Good choice? Same thing as live sand right?

 

[fitbmxdude989]

i used carib sea arag alive fiji whits sand, so it should do just fine...lol

 

[saxman]

Originally Posted by Flower
http:///forum/post/3283448

Cute fish, what is that?
Sebastapistes cyanostigma AKA yellow-spotted scorpionfish. not real common, but a great low-key fish for small setups.

 

[florida joe]

cc why the hell would anyone want to use CC oh wait a minute I use CC NEVER MIND